In view of the recent rise in the number of covid positive cases, Mumbai has imposed travelling protocols for all commuters arriving from Delhi-NCR, Goa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kerala. As per reports, people travelling to Mumbai from these 5 destinations now have to produce a COVID-19 negative report, upon arrival. Similar guidelines have also been imposed for people reaching the city limits via trains.
Travel protocols as precautions against COVID-19
The Maharashtra Government has established guidelines for travellers arriving in Mumbai from other COVID hotspots in the country. While the protocol was already under practice for commuters from Delhi-NCR, Goa, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, the latest addition to the list is Kerala, as it has clocked the most number of cases in the country. Since Maharashtra stands second only to Kerala in terms of the total number of cases reported, the negative coronavirus test has been levied as a precaution.
As per reports, all travellers flying to Mumbai need to produce a COVID-19 negative report, conducted up to 72 hours before departure while those travelling by trains can testify non-infection by a 96-hour prior test. Besides, commuters showing symptoms of coronavirus will be screened at the railway station. Passengers will have to also undergo the an-antigen test, the cost of which shall be incurred by the travellers. If the reports yield positive results, the individual will be shifted to a COVID care facility for treatment, at their own expense.
Mumbai has also instated a mobile RT-PCR lab for COVID-19 testing, developed by the ICMR and Spice Health. As per reports, this test can reveal results in 24 hours and the test cost has been marked at ₹499
COVID rise in Mumbai, yet again!
On Monday, Mumbai reported 493 fresh COVID cases, projecting a marginal dip from Sunday's 645 sky-high tallies. Though a respite, the unprecedented rise in the number of cases is being traced to the reopening of schools and local train travel permission for all, read reports.
In the past week, the rate of transmission of the coronavirus has grown at 0.13% in Mumbai, however, the case positivity ratio has scaled-up at 0.14% - 0.21% in about 9 municipal wards of the city. Since a majority of new cases have emerged from non-slum areas, the infection surge is linked to the flouting of COVID-19 protocols and carelessness, such as not wearing a mask or maintaining safe social distance. Health officials have emphasized the need to adhere to coronavirus protocols and procedures to curb the spike.
