Growing cases of coronavirus in Mumbai. Another lockdown on cards?

After a spike in COVID-19 cases in the city, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday, February 16, has warned to go on lockdown mode once again. However, she stated that the lockdown implementation depends on Mumbaikars.

While addressing the media, Pednekar said, "It is a matter of concern. Most people travelling in trains do not wear masks. People must take precautions else we would head towards another lockdown. Whether lockdown will be implemented again, it is in the hands of people."

Mumbai has reported a surge in the coronavirus cases as the local train services resumed in the Maximum City.

 Earlier, the Maharashtra government had also termed the situation "alarming" and warned of "harsh decisions" as there was a sudden increase in the coronavirus cases. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed dismay over people not following COVID-19 precautions.

Mumbai local train services were opened for the general public with restricted timings from February 1. Nearly 3.4 million passengers had travelled by the suburban local train network on day one.

Pictures of long queues outside the railway stations went viral on social media and many complained that there was no social distancing. And now, the sudden rise in cases has drawn focus towards the local train services.

Mumbai city continued to report the highest single-day cases in the state with a spike of 493 on Monday, while Nagpur city saw a jump of 415 cases. Amravati city in Vidarbha saw a rise of 405 cases on Monday, February 15.

In Mumbai and Aurangabad city, three and two individuals died due to COVID-19, respectively. Out of the total 3,365 new cases, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), accounted for 880.

Apart from that, in Chembur, more than 25 patients with coronavirus cases have been diagnosed daily and the growth rate has reached 0.28 per cent per day. Earlier, less than 15 patients were found in the area. Therefore, the M-West ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Chembur has instructed the society and peddlers to take the tests. Residents in the building are said to be ignoring masks and safe distances.

Rules and Regulations to be followed by the societies

• Do not allow any outsider in the building, including housekeepers and milkmen.
• Strict adherence to things like thermal screening, 14-days quarantine is must for the family or person tested positive for COVID-19.
• COVID tests of people with symptoms and their family members is also mandatory.