The BMC has directed private hospitals in the city to set up isolation wards to treat COVID-19 patients as well. Those who won't abide by the directive have to shut down. The civic body issued the instruction after seven hospitals had to be closed temporarily over the past couple of weeks when staffers tested positive.

With over 100 cases being reported every day, the BMC needs more hospitals to set up isolation wards and cannot afford to shut hospital premises, said a civic source. "All private hospitals have been instructed to make arrangements to treat COVID-19 patients, and if they don't, they will have to shut operations," he said.