Omicron resident: BMC starts three-point response in Dharavi

MUMBAI: Fever camps, disinfection of public premises, and speeding up of vaccinationthese are Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) three-point response for Dharavi, after one Omicron positive case was detected from the slum pocket.

Kiran Dighavkar, assistant commissioner of the G/north ward with jurisdiction over Dharavi said, “Since 80% of Dharavi’s residents depend on community toilets, we are disinfecting them as many times during the day as possible, to check any spread of infection. It is noticed that the residents of Dharavi often hesitate to take Covid tests. They have a hand to mouth existence and feel they cannot afford one. So, we are organising free testing camps as well.”

BMC has also approached private practitioners in Dharavi and roped in non-governmental organisations who are already working in Dharavi to inoculate its residents, to conduct surveys and to coach unvaccinated residents.

Dighavkar said, “We have asked doctors who operate clinics in Dharavi to speak to those who visit them. Door-todoor surveys to check vaccination will also be done, and we have roped in NGOS to help with this.”

A 49-year-old male, who returned from Tanzania and landed in Mumbai on December 4, had tested positive for Covid in his RT-PCR test done at the airport on arrival. He was tested even though Tanzania is not among the at-risk countries categorised by the Indian government, as a part of tests done randomly for 2% of international passengers.

While on his way to Dharavi, the person received his positive RTPCR report. He was quarantined.