The two labs at Kasturba and KEM have been working 24x7 to test the huge load of samples for COVID-19, and the BMC will set up two more in the city in the next couple of weeks. But, these laboratories won't test those who die before being admitted, as the civic body has recently told all hospitals not to collect samples from deceased patients.

Senior civic officials said that while one laboratory will be set up in Sion Hospital, the other will be set up in KEM hospital. "We have purchased the equipment and it is yet to be delivered. The laboratory at Sion hospital will be set up over the next two weeks. We are looking for space within KEM's premises to set up another lab, and if not, then it will be set up in a BMC-owned building nearby in the next 7-10 days," said Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner.