The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made several changes in testing protocol during the COVID-19 epidemic in Mumbai. The authorities have now made a fresh change favouring senior citizens with regard to testing. Starting right away, the BMC will allow COVID-19 testing for those above the age of 70 without a prescription.
Additionally, the civic body has mentioned that it will permit e-prescriptions for COVID-19 testing. This would apply to those under the age of 70 yet desperately need a COVID-19 test. It’s worth noting that the BMC had previously warned doctors of strict action if they are found to be prescribing tests without a physical examination.
Earlier this week, Municipal Commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal announced, “Mission Universal Testing”, under which the authorities would acquire 1 lakh antigen testing kits for quick testing and results. It is said that these tests can produce results within 30 minutes, thus reducing the strain on the city’s civic testing infrastructure.
Also read - Andheri, Vile Parle And Jogeshwari Record The Most Number Of Coronavirus Cases In Mumbai
As per data provided by the BMC, June 22 saw a total of 3,735 deaths out of which 2,669 deaths were of those between the age-group of 50-80 years. This indicates that the death rate is at around 71.4 per cent for this age bracket leading civic officials to check oxygen levels of seniors in COVID-19 hotspots across Mumbai.
Additionally, BMC officials have said that 4.18 lakh citizens have been screened as of now, and it was found that 99% of them had oxygen levels under 95% which is causing a great deal of concern.
As of the most recent figures, Maharashtra has recorded 1,42,900 cases of the coronavirus and Mumbai makes up for 48.6 per cent of the state’s tally with 69,528 positive cases.
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