BMC says active patients increase in high-rise buildings; Andheri (W) has highest positivity rate

Mumbai has witnessed a sharp spike in the number of coronavirus cases since the last month. According to sources, the growing number of active patients who are undergoing treatment currently have been reported in buildings or societies compared to the slums.

According to the fresh guidelines released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), if more than five patients are diagnosed with the coronavirus infection the building should be sealed.

The civic body officials said highest number of cases are from high-rise buildings. Among all the civic wards, Andheri (West), Chembur, Govandi are major contributors to active case load in the city.

On an average, 92 new COVID-19 cases are being recorded in Andheri every day. Currently, 11 people have been detected with the infection in the Raheja Classic building in Lokhandwala. Despite that, the building has not been sealed yet.

As per the data shared by BMC, the average growth rate of Mumbai stands at 0.30 per cent. However, eight civic wards have a higher growth rate. Of these right, K-West ward, which covers Andheri (West), tops the list with 0.42 per cent growth rate, followed by H-West ward which covers Bandra (West) at 0.41 per cent.

This is followed by F-North (Matunga) – 0.41 per cent, T (Mulund) – 0.40 per cent, M-West (Chembur) – 0.36 per cent, M-East (Govandi) – 0.35 per cent, L (Kurla) -- 0.32 per cent, H-East (Santacruz East) – 0.32 per cent and N (Ghatkopar) – 0.31 per cent positivity rate.

In Andheri West, 650 patients have been reported in the last one week. As on February 27, the total number of patients in the ward was 21,660. As on March 6, the number has increased to 22,302. Nearly, 30 buildings in Andheri West have been sealed.

Meanwhile, a low positivity rate has been reported in the B and E ward. B ward comprises of Sandhurst Road, whereas E ward includes, Marine Lines, Dadar, Mahim and Dharavi, Byculla.

At present, Mumbai has a total of 18 containment zones. The total number of building sealed across the city is 192.

Besides, so far, 2,450 floors have been sealed in buildings where COVID-19 positive patients have been diagnosed. The highest number of floors has been sealed in K-West ward (Andheri) with 493 floors sealed.