Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Thane have seen a significant rise in the last few days. Data reveals that the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), over the last six days, has recorded an increase by 400% in the COVID-19 cases. Recently, the civic body also reported the highest single-day rise of 2,180 cases in areas across Thane, and observing the same, the municipal corporation has decided to take strict action by sealing buildings which have over 10 COVID positive cases.
Reports state that officials have been asked to mark these buildings as containment zones. A report regarding the same was published in the Hindustan Times.
Similar action is being taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) where buildings are being sealed if they have more than 20 per cent COVID positive cases. These decisions are being imposed to contain the spread of infection.
On the other hand, the state government has also asked respective corporations to keep a check on hospital beds and ensure that they are not occupied by those who do not need hospitalisation. Officials from the civic body have been given directives to take action against the hospitals flouting the guidelines by admitting those with no or mild symptoms. Circulars and notice regarding the same has been shared by the civic body, and patients with no or mild symptoms are encourage to choose home quarantine, as this will ensure the beds are available for the ones in need.
Also Read: Omicron Scare: Centre Tells States To Revert To Night Curfews, Containment Zones
Data reveals that COVID-19 cases in Thane saw a significant increase from the last week of December 2021, and have risen exponentially in merely few days. However, several patients are under home quarantine, and only 10-12 per cent of the patients have been admitted at the hospitals currently. As of January 6, 2021, the TMC reported an increase of 2,180 cases, which is similar to the figure noted last year in April 2020, during the second COVID-19 wave. As of now, Thane has a positivity rate of 22.54 per cent and doubling rate of 140 days.
Quoting TMC's Additional Municipal Commissioner, Sandeep Malvi, the Hindustan Times reported, “We will start sealing buildings with more than 10 positive cases and declare the said building as containment zone from Thursday. I have asked all the assistant municipal commissioners to ensure this is followed in their wards. As of now, we are testing 1:15 persons, which will be increased when needed. We will also test the entire building if many people are found positive.”
Also Read: Omicron Scare: Now, Schools and Colleges in Thane closed till January 31
Guidelines and instructions have been given to residential societies and complexes to follow the COVID-19 protocol strictly and if more than 10 COVID cases are reported from a society, the civic body will have to conduct RT-PCR tests of residents living on the same floor of the building which includes COVID positive cases. It is being said that two tests will be conducted by the officials - one on the fifth and the other on seventh day of infection. Residents from the top and bottom floor will have to undergo tests at their own cost, while other residents from other floors will have to undergo antigen tests to ensure safety.
Quoting the President of IMA Thane, Dr Santosh Kadam, the report stated, "We have to accept that the third wave has set in and need to take extra precautions. The civic body is geared up with sufficient hospital beds and medicine for now. They have also increased the testing. Apart from this, the residents also need to get tested immediately if they show any symptoms like cold, fever or cough among others. Many people fear getting tested due to the restrictions. However, they will put their family and others at risk by delaying the tests."
Several initiatives have been implemented by the TMC to ensure the infection is contained. Door to Door testing has been initiated across several wards, which will help identify patients and also help the civic body in taking timely action against the patients.
Also Read: Thane: 30 including 28 students test COVID-19 positive in Bhiwandi School
Share
Tweet
