BMC asks Bhandup, Powai societies to ban gatherings, stop using pools, gyms and gardens

The growing number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai has become a cause of concern. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started taking many stringent steps to arrest the spike. 

One such initiative is being undertaken by BMC's S ward. The number of positive cases in this ward has shot up drastically in the past few days. Almost a month back, this ward which comprises Powai, Vikhroli, and Bhandup was reporting only 10 cases a day but the same has now gone up to 50.

Additionally, while the average growth rate of cases in Mumbai is currently 0.28 per cent, that of Sward stands at 0.26 per cent. The doubling rate of S ward is 267 days, higher than the city’s 249 days. It is also the ward, along with M West that has the maximum sealed building. There are currently 18 buildings that are sealed in both these wards. As per the new guidelines of BMC any building that has five or more cases will be sealed and treated as a containment zone. 

To control the spread of coronavirus in this ward, BMC has served an appeal to the housing societies and requested them to immediately stop the use of their gardens, gymnasiums, playgrounds and swimming pools.

Another directive that has been shared with the housing societies include informing the ward’s COVID-19 war room if a resident has come from outside Mumbai. There is also been an appeal made to use face masks inside the building or when moving around in the complex. 

For domestic help visiting the housing society, BMC has requested conducting regular temperature checks. It has also advised that if possible the maids should stay on the premise of the building. 

For other visitors to the housing society such as courier, food delivery and laundry people BMC has advised that they should not be allowed inside the premise.

They have also reiterated that social distancing should be maintained at all times and no social gathering should be organised in the foreseeable future. For all help and assistance, people from this ward can connect with the COVID war room at 022-25954000. This can also be used to inform if any COVID-19 positive is roaming around the premise.

A total of eight directives have been listed by BMC ward S to manage the spread of coronavirus in this area.