The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) has announced that it will make rapid antigen testing mandatory at shopping malls across Mumbai. Additional Municipal Commissioner, Suresh Kakani said that this call was taken due to the rising coronavirus cases in the city.
“From March 22, it will be mandatory for all malls to have the swab collection facility. A team will be designated at the entrance for this very purpose. The details are being worked out,” Kakani said while speaking to India Today.
Read - Imposing Night Curfew Is Necessary Right Now: Mumbai Mayor
Officials say that this will help them detect asymptomatic citizens who may end up spreading the virus to others unknowingly. The BMC further said that there’s no possibility of a night curfew or new lockdown in Mumbai, with authorities tightening vigilance at bus stops, parking lots, outdoor eateries, etc. However, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had a contrasting opinion on night curfew.
Experts from the state say that the virus is spreading quite rapidly in the city which may lead to further issues in the coming weeks.
Also read - New Dharavi COVID-19 Vaccination Centre To Operate From Monday
State Health Minister Rajesh Tope has previously said that lockdown isn’t the solution for the surge in COVID-19 cases, asking citizens to practice proper social distancing and mask-wearing, which are two of the most effective measures against contracting the virus.
Mumbai reported 2,877 new cases and 8 deaths on Thursday, March 18. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked private establishments and malls to ensure COVID-19 regulations and guidelines are followed.
Read - Maharashtra Accounts To 60 Per Cent Of COVID-19 Active Cases In India
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