Mumbai's housing societies turn into micro containment zones; cops deployed outside each such area​

As per established COVID norms in Mumbai, any housing society nursing over 5 positive cases is being declared as a micro containment zone to limit the scope of infection. To further this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, on Tuesday, issued a fresh circular which states that police personnel will be stationed outside each such zone to implement preventive protocols. The same order states that movement will be restricted for visitors to enter these areas while the movement of residents outside containment will be monitored by society.

Strict rules to ensure compliance

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On Tuesday, the BMC issued a fresh order for housing societies in view of the rapid rise of COVID-19 infection across Mumbai. This imposes a slew of restrictions and protocols for micro containment zones in residential societies. This authorises police at entry /exit points to ensure compliance with the guidelines by the office bearers of the society. It is the responsibility of these office-bearers to seal the flats of the asymptomatic patients.

An asymptomatic patient residing in society needs to strictly follow home isolation. The circular highlighted that an FIR will be filed against the patient if they are found disregarding these norms. As far as society is concerned, it is the task of the stationed cops to bring instances of violation(s) to the notice of the respective ward authority. Besides this, a fine of Rs 10,000 at the first instance, and Rs 20,000 for a repeat offence has further been prescribed.

The restricted movement to and fro from micro containment zones

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The movement has been restricted to and fro containment zones. No one is allowed to move out of these societies while visitors' entry is also prohibited. Only those permitted by the deployed police officers here and the chairman/secretary of the societies will be allowed movement. Similarly, medical emergencies and board examination students are allowed to go outside.

Delivery of essential items like milk, newspapers and other groceries will be allowed only till the society gate. Beyond this point, society has to make arrangements to deliver the items to the concerned owners. Health officials can visit these containment complexes for inspections. Those assigned to collect COVID-19 swabs from homes are also allowed.

Mumbai adopts strict restrictions & active vaccination to curb coronavirus

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On Sunday, the state government announced new guidelines to break the chain of infection in Mumbai and other districts. Until April end, lockdown-like restrictions, night curfews and complete lockdown on weekends will add to Maharashtra's defence against the emergent wave of infection. As per the latest guidelines of the BMC, all beaches in the city will also remain out of bounds for public till April 30.

Additionally, COVID-19 testing is helping to curb the infection threat. BMC guidelines direct the private laboratories to declare test results within 24 hours of swab collection to identify virus traces in its weaker stage. These labs also need to ensure that reports are first handed over to the civic body instead of the person tested.

The third phase of COVID vaccination is also aiding to subdue the rate of infection by building immunity. Under this phase, all people over the age of 45, irrespective of comorbidities can get the vaccine shot.