Given that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has managed to control the spread of COVID-19 in slums of the city, the concern has now shifted on to housing societies as well as high-rise residential apartments of the city which are said to be reporting 80 per cent of the cases. Keeping this in mind, BMC’s Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani has asked the civic body to start awareness campaigns in the form of posters.
Assistant Commissioner of the A Ward, Chanda Jadhav while speaking to The Times of India said - "Most cases are from high-rises. So now building residents should follow steps to keep the virus away. These wall posters will help."
These posters will also help combat misinformation that’s spreading rampantly on social media, and provide residents with an avenue to get all the right information. Helpline numbers for their wards will also be displayed on the posters so that residents can get immediate attention for any concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A senior BMC official said, “Awareness plays a critical role while dealing with a pandemic. While there are thousands of messages on social media, people are not aware of the facts. These posters will help people take precautions and restrict the spread of the virus."
Also Read - BMC’s Decision To Seal Down Entire Buildings For A Single COVID-19 Case Draws Flak From Residents
The posters will also display norms and rules that the housing societies need to follow, such as placement of hand sanitizers at entrances, conducting a thermal screening as well as a pulse oximeter test for every person entering the building, and ensuring that domestic help or maids are taking precautions to avoid contracting the virus.
Other instructions include sanitizing of two-wheelers and four-wheelers regularly, while also encouraging residents to press the elevator button with a disposable stick, like a toothpick rather than using your fingers. In general, it is recommended not to touch commonly accessed surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, and so on) as it can contribute to the spread of the virus.
These norms are in addition to the Government and civic body’s rules for residential buildings. Residents are also encouraged to make sure those under home quarantine aren’t flouting the rules, while public gatherings are strictly prohibited at this point. It is also specified that if a floor or an entire society is ‘sealed’, then no person shall be allowed to enter that area.
Also read - Man Arrested And 30 Others Booked For Cutting Birthday Cake With A Sword