Hallomajra and Maloya can be next Bapu Dham
CHANDIGARH : Just like the city’s major hotspot, Bapu Dham Colony, Chandigarh’s other villages, Hallomajra and Maloya, with one case each and residents still flouting social distancing norms, could rapidly imitate the spread trends.
On Friday, a 35-year-old man from Hallomajra tested positive two days after his death at GMSH-16. He used to live alone in a rented accommodation and was a chronic alcoholic. He visited the hospital with symptoms, including loose stools, severe anaemia and disorientation. “He was put on a ventilator. He had severe pancytopenia. He tested positive for Covid-19,” read an official statement.
A total of 18 people living in the same building have been quarantined. Though no exact source could be pointed to, the official note said, “He has history of frequent visits to Bapu Dham
Colony and he also stayed for five days at Bapu Dham Colony.”
The congested lane that leads to the deceased’s house has been sealed and over 55 people have been quarantined. That lane was deserted, but a nearby market was abuzz with activity. The shopkeepers are not even following the odd-even rule. Residents could be seen walking in groups. While many had their faces covered, others were seen walking, standing clothes together, sans masks.
Bharat Kumar, counsellor from ward number 23 that covers three villages, including Ram Darbar, Faidan and Hallomajra, said, “Hallomajra has around 1,900 houses and over 80,000 people. In one room, up to five people stay. There are chawls where people have built 30-40 rooms in a row, with four-five people living in a room. Most residents are from the working class.”
Meanwile, in Maloya, a 20-year-old female tested positive for Covid-19.