Mumbai: Five wards see over 50% rise in cases; limited travel, gatherings advised – Times of India

MUMBAI: As many as five civic wards reported more than 50% rise in Covid-19 cases in the second week of February compared with the first week of the month.
The sharpest spike of 91% in Covid-19 cases was reported from A Ward, which covers parts of Colaba, Cuffe Parade and Churchgate. The other wards that have reported more than a 50% rise in cases are R-North (Dahisar and Borivli) at 62%, E (Byculla and Mumbai Central) 58%, F-South (Parel and Sewri) 52% and M-East (Govandi) 51%.
A Ward’s civic officials said many of the cases have been reported from the naval premises and Nariman Point. “In a commercial building at Nariman Point, two persons tested positive initially. Later, following more tests, the number rose to 22. The building canteen was then shut and a sanitisation programme undertaken,” said an official.
Colaba corporator Makrand Narwekar blamed the surge on citizens lowering their guard.
“We almost felt the virus had been chased away and people were going about without wearing face masks or using sanitisers. The rise in cases is a reminder that Covid-19 has not gone anywhere,” said Narwekar, adding it is essential that the authorities ramp up the vaccination drive.
In E Ward, which covers Byculla and Mumbai Central and has witnessed a 58% rise in cases, corporator Rais Shaikh said they held a meeting with BMC officials over the spike. “All must avoid unnecessary travel and large gatherings if the viral chain is to be broken. I plan to write to housing societies that members must wear face masks from the time they enter an elevator.”
In Sewri and Parel under F-South Ward, corporator Sachin Padwal said a decision has been taken to sanitise community toilets repeatedly. Former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar from Shiv Sena said several cases in Dahisar are from the same families.