Mumbai: All wards have Covid-19 cases; only one critical

Two months ago, only six wards reported a handful of COVID-19 cases. The scenario has changed dramatically today, with Andheri, Bandra and Grant Road reporting the highest number of cases. Officials say most people who are travelling abroad and some international flyers coming to Mumbai have tested positive during routine checks.

However, 91 per cent of patients are asymptomatic and only one is critical.

Meanwhile, Dr Gautam Bhansali, the chief coordinator between the civic body and private hospitals, said a possible increase in cases could be tackled and eight patients were on oxygen support across the city. On January 31, out of the city's 24 wards, only six reported COVID cases in a week, and there were fewer than 20 cases.

A health worker collects a sample from a vegetable vendor at Vile Parle on May 10, 2021. Pic/Satej Shinde

According to the civic health department from 14 to 20 March, the city reported 270 new cases.

At the moment, all 24 wards have reported COVID-19 cases, with K West (Andheri West) reporting 29, K East (Andheri East) 23, H West (Bandra West) 22, and D (Grant Road) 20.

Also Read: Mumbai: Dadar-Mahim area sees rise in coronavirus cases in March; no new case in Dharavi

On the condition of anonymity, a civic official from K West ward said, "Mostly people who are coming from abroad are testing positive while there are a few patients. However, there is no need to panic as many of them are asymptomatic."

Another official from K East ward said, "People who are testing positive have mostly come from abroad and very few of them are local residents."

A senior health official said, "As the number of COVID-19 cases is going up, we have been instructed to take note of patients' histories and monitor areas where multiple cases have been reported. Our COVID war rooms are still there so it won't be a major challenge."

New cases

On Monday, Mumbai reported 61 new cases after 1,913 samples were tested. The positivity rate was 3.15 per cent while the active case count has gone up to 321. Twenty-six patients have been hospitalised eight of which are on oxygen support.

On Tuesday, the state reported one death from the Beed district while 280 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours. So, the active patients count has reached 1,489. Out of the 280 new cases, 101 are from MMR and 133 are from Pune circle.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Kumar said, "The cases are increasing but there is no need to be worried. We are vigilant and follow the Central and state government's instructions regarding testing, tracking and treatment. We urge people to mask up and maintain hygiene."

Currently, 4,350 beds are reserved for COVID patients. Dr Kumar said, "The situation is under control and we are monitoring wards that are reporting more cases. There are ample beds."

‘Private hospitals are ready'

Dr Bhansali told mid-day, "We are in touch with BMC officials on a daily basis. Many hospitals have kept 10 beds reserved for COVID patients, but many hospitals don't have a single patient. If cases go up shortly, we can ramp up bed strength on short notice."

Six
No. of wards that had COVID cases on January 31

24
No. of wards that have COVID cases as of March 20