Having learnt the dreadful experiences of those who stayed in isolation centres for the treatment of COVID-19, a housing society in Kandivali has stepped forward to help its members. It has developed an isolation centre on its premises for residents, if required. It also hopes the load on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) could also be lessened due to this. Mumbai North Member of Parliament, Gopal Shetty, has also written to housing societies in his constituency requesting them to start isolation centres on their premises. The BMC has said housing societies can start such centres on their premises.

As per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), if someone tests positive for COVID-19, but is asymptomatic or has only mild symptoms and doesn't need to be hospitalised, he/she can be quarantined in the house. "It takes hours to get an ambulance or a bed in a hospital for COVID-19 patients. The mildly symptomatic patients get serious due to panic and require oxygen supply. In such a scenario, an isolation centre in the premises of the society with the provision of two to five beds, oxygen cylinders and doctors who visit will be helpful," said Shetty who sent letter to societies on Friday. As per the letter, the society can make its isolation zone in the clubhouse or vacant flats (if their owner permits).