Mumbai: BMC releases roadmap under new Commissioner for tackling COVID-19 crisis

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released a new roadmap under the new Commissioner to tackle the Coronavirus crisis in the city. Iqbal Singh Chahal took charge as the new Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner on Friday, while, the previous commissioner Pravin Pardeshi has been transferred to the Urban Development department as Additional Chief Secretary.

New roadmap to tackle COVID-19

According to sources, the BMC's new strategy to tackle the COVID-19 crisis is aggressive tracking and quarantining, and is aiming to reduce the city's cases doubling rate from 10 days to 20 days. According to the new strategy, instead of quarantining three close contacts of positive patients, now 10 close contacts will be quarantined. The BMC is aiming to improve the bed management at the public and private hospitals and to increase the isolation centres and isolation beds to over 75,000.

Further, the corporation will be tackling the shortage of doctors and hospital staff and facilities to revive critical patients. Along with it, the municipal corporation will be issuing a new protocol for the better management of dead bodies. 

Read: BMC amends another order on closure of non-essentials, now allows hardware shops to reopen

BMC reduces working strength 

On Friday, the  Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) directed only 75% of its staff to report for work in Mumbai amid the rising number of novel coronavirus cases. The April 30 order which mandated compulsory attendance for all employees has been amended. Initially, the BMC was working at 50% strength.

Read: Amid rise in Mumbai's COVID-19 cases, BMC directs only 75% staff to report for work

As per the Public Health Department of the BMC, more Coronavirus Care Centres would be set up in the next 15 days. It added that quarantine facilities are being developed at Mahalaxmi Race Course, Nehru Science Centre, BKC MMRDA ground, Mahim Nature Park and NESCO ground where the asymptomatic positive COVID-19 patients from highly dense slum pockets will be kept. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the BMC also announced the closure of liquor shops and non-essential shops, just a day after the relaxation of lockdown guidelines.

Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: India's cases rise to 59,662; 17,846 recoveries, 1,981 deaths

Read: Mumbai: Iqbal Singh Chahal takes charge as new BMC Commissioner as city battles COVID-19