A few days back, the Brihanmumbai Municipal corporation (BMC) sealed 146 areas as no-go zones, and by the end of Wednesday, officials updated the list and added 45 more areas, increasing the total to 191 containment zones in Mumbai. The increase in the number of zones is due to the surge in coronavirus cases observed over the last few days, and it is expected that this decision would help contain the spread of the virus.
Officials have demarcated these areas as multiple coronavirus positive cases have been identified from these localities. Hence, as per law, entry here is restricted, if violated, one would have to serve the punishment as per legal conditions. For the unaware, containment zones are areas in the city where one or more COVID19 positive case is identified and the officials seal the area to curb the spread, thereby encouraging people to cooperate and stay home.
Many areas in the city which include areas of Worli Koliwada, Kalina, Goregaon, Kandivali, Ghatkopar and many others have been tagged as ‘hotspots’ and officials confirmed that rapid-testing is being conducted in these zones. The first test includes blood analysis to understand the viral load, the second is a PCR-driven test if a patient tests positive.
Essentials are being provided in these areas and police is keeping an eye to ensure people do not leave homes and avoid movement to stop the spread. Door-to-door screening is also being carried out to identify contact tracing cases of COVID19.
On April 1, 2020, it was reported that coronavirus had spread in Asia's largest slum community in Dharavi. A 56-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 but unfortunately passed away during the treatment. A day later on April 2, 2020, another case was reported where a 52-year-old BMC worker tested positive. Though he resides in Worli, he developed symptoms in Dharavi.
Owing to the infrastructure, the spreading of coronavirus in these communities will be a big challenge for the BMC to tackle. Worli Koliwada which houses more than 35,000 people, has been sealed, as one death was reported on Tuesday. Further, the municipality has also started sanitisation drive in areas of Prabhadevi, Goregaon and many others where positive cases have been found.
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