BMC to conduct fifth sero-survey in Mumbai from Jul 15

The Brihanmumai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to conduct the fifth serological survey across the city from Monday, July 15, 2021. As per reports, the survey will be useful in identifying several aspects which can help contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) during the predicted third wave. Officials will check antibodies of citizens who are above the age of 18, and data will be collected from all 24 wards of the city.

A senior official from the civic body confirmed that the samples will be collected to test the antibodies which will further be used for analysis. Experts have informed that the upcoming third COVID-19 wave will affect children and people living in slums, and keeping this in mind, the survey will be significant in making right decisions. 

The vaccination drive which is being conducted efficiently across the city will help in containing the spread of COVID-19. Previously conducted sero-surveys among the children showed that over 50 per cent of the population had antibodies to fight the virus, and the one before (third sero-survey) showed more than 36 per cent with antibodies for Covid-19. 

Also Read: Maharashtra Begins Fourth Sero-Survey To Gauge COVID-19 Infections Among Children

Meanwhile, the survey conducted in slums showed a positivity of 41.6 per cent earlier. Population in the non-slum areas had a positivity of 28.5 per cent, which as per experts, the figure has dropped in comparison to the results before. Data reveals that the percentage of antibodies in the population dwelling in slums has reduced significantly and hence they are more vulnerable to the infection.

Ahead of the third wave, the state government has started taking necessary measures to ensure children are safe during the COVID-19 spread. A committee of paediatricians across Maharashtra are being consulted and COVID wards are being set up to tackle the crisis. 

On the other hand, a large population is being vaccinated in the state, and various initiatives like drive-in vaccination, door to door vaccination have been organised to ensure people do not face concerns during the camp.