Resumption of Mumbai Local Train Services One of The Reasons Behind Increase in Corona Outbreaks, Says Official

A total of 721, 736, and 823 new coronavirus cases were detected on February 17, 18, and 19. However, in January, the state had reported around 300-400 cases on average. 

New Delhi: One of the reasons behind rising coronavirus cases in Maharashtra is the resumption of local train services for the general public, said Corona Task Force member Dr. Shashank Joshi.  Notably, the local train services, which are considered a lifeline in the Mumbai region, returned to full services for the general public from Feb 2 after a gap of 10 months. Since then the there has been a spike in new coronavirus cases in Mumbai.

COVID-19 Cases on Rise in Financial Capital

The financial capital witnessed coronavirus cases rising above the 500 mark in the second week of this month, despite strict COVID-19 restrictions. 721, 736, and 823 new corona cases were detected on February 17, 18, and 19. However, in January, the city had reported around 300-400 cases on average.

A man bows down before a Mumbai local train before boarding it after 10 months of closure/Twitter

“This (resumption of local train services) is a fact and one of the reasons behind the increase in corona outbreaks”, Dr Shashank Joshi told India Today, when asked about spike in coronavirus cases.

It was also reported that Covid-19 restrictions like social distancing and mask-wearing have gone for a toss since the resumption of local train services.

Over 1,000 Building Sealed in Mumbai: 

Yesterday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) sealed a total of 1305 buildings sealed in Mumbai. The move was taken after 2749 coronavirus cases were reported. In a statement, the BMC Said that 71,838 households are residing in these sealed buildings.

A total of 1305 buildings sealed in Mumbai after 2749 #COVID19 cases reported. 71,838 households residing in these sealed buildings: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) pic.twitter.com/RTaoWhhPK8

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2021

“A total of 1305 buildings sealed in Mumbai after 2749 COVID-19 cases were reported. A total of 71,838 households are residing in these sealed buildings,” the BMC said in a statement.

Fresh Guidelines To Curb COVID-19 Spread

To curb the spread of COVID-19 cases, BMC on Thursday issued fresh guidelines.  The civic body has intensified action against people found without masks in public, and will take action against function halls, gymnasiums and other establishments that don’t follow safety norms, the official said.

3 Important Rules: 

If 5 or more COVID patients are found in a building, it will be sealed

Stamps will be put on the back of the hands of the patients staying in-home quarantine.

Wedding halls, clubs, and restaurants, etc will be raided to check if they are flouting rules.