In a recently taken decision, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to revise the quarantine guidelines for coronavirus patients. Under the new rules, COVID-19 patients aged 50 and above will no longer be allowed self-isolation at home. As per reports, if patients do not have any symptoms but test positive, they will have to quarantine at COVID-19 facility.
A circular was issued regarding the same on August 19, 2020. The decision was taken keeping the mortality rate in mind. Although the number of novel coronavirus cases is reducing in the city, the number of deaths seem to be a point of concern for the authorities and data suggests that many elderly patients have succumbed to the infection.
Figures revealed by the BMC state that around 42 per cent of patients are above the age of 50, and get hospitalised after four days of home isolation. Besides this, this bracket contributes to more than 83 per cent of total deaths.
Earlier, patients with mild symptoms, up to 60 years of age were advised self-quarantine, however, this revised decision is expected to bring the situation under control.
Officials at the BMC are taking necessary steps to ensure the spread of virus especially in congested areas of the city. Sanitation is one of the key aspects and municipality will visit homes and common areas of these patients’ residence and premises.
Furthermore, every passenger arriving at Mumbai Airports are subjected to a coronavirus test, and this has been made mandatory, said Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar.
As of Thursday, August 20, Mumbai has a total of 1,32,822 cases and 7,314 deaths. Out of the total COVID-19 cases, only 18,172 cases are active and 1,07,033 cases have recovered from COVID-19. Maharashtra, on the other hand, has 6,43,289 cases and 21,359 deaths. While the number of cases has reduced in Mumbai, other areas in the MMR region have seen an increase in the number of cases.
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