WHAT STEPS SHOULD THE BMC, STATE TAKE TO CURB SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES?

While the state gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, there is no room for any complacency as the threat of a third wave of COVID-19 persists. Callous behaviour from the public, or lack of vigilance from authorities, could lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases. FPJ asked its readers - `Kerala has seen a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases after Onam celebrations. With Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations approaching, what steps should the BMC and state government take to prevent a spike in cases in Mumbai and Maharashtra?’ Here’s what a cross-section of Mumbaikars had to say:

Like last year, the state government should restrict pandal hopping and limit the celebration only indoors, on a very small scale. The more people gather together, the greater the risk. The BMC should keep a close vigil on the major Ganeshotsav attraction spots, and get all authorities in action to control the crowds and maintain social distancing.

— Pulak Priyesh, Share trader

The government should ensure that there is no crowding. It is also the responsibility of people to avoid gathering during this festival season for any religion or celebration. The government should ensure that Mumbaikars are fully vaccinated by December.

— Nikhil Desai, Matunga resident

Mumbai and Maharashtra should learn from what is happening in

Kerala. Festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi that call for large gatherings of people should not be celebrated to avoid a spike in cases. The state should prohibit outdoor celebrations and gatherings.

— Ayush Verma, front desk executive at a private bank

Like last year, this year too, Ganesh festival should be organised online for darshan, so that crowds can be prevented. Also the idols should be immersed in nearby artificial ponds only.

— Jay Kanojiya, private banking officer

Considering the rise in COVID-19 cases in Kerala, the Maharashtra government should not allow public celebration of festivals as mass public gatherings could again lead to rise in COVID cases in Mumbai.

— Devansh Pathak, Mulund resident

The local authorities should continue to implement strict regulations, like how it did last year during the lockdown. If public immersion is allowed at beaches and water bodies, crowding will increase, which would lead to a rise in cases yet again. As a precautionary measure, rules should also be introduced that only those who are fully vaccinated can visit pandals.

—Akshay Sethia,

PhD student and researcher

All the members of the Ganpati mandals should be fully vaccinated and they should allow only those devotees who are fully vaccinated or have RT-PCR report with them. BMC should set a COVID-19 testing camp at each Ganpati pandal. Moreover, they should make sure the pandal is fumigated four to five times a day. The BMC and state government should come up with such guidelines and it should be strictly followed by each and every one during the Ganesh Festival.

—Rupesh More, Masters in public health and nutrition

There should be no relaxation during the Ganesh festival and strict vigilance needs to be done by the BMC and Maharashtra government across the state. Moreover, they should follow the same festival protocols laid down last year. Cases are now increasing in the city, so they should not allow public gathering at any Ganpati pandal. Instead of that, big pandals should have online facilities for devotees.

— Shweta Singh, Claim Handler

The state government should prepare themselves for the possibility of any surge in COVID-19 cases, like in Kerala, due to public festivals. Adequate medical oxygen, hospital beds, and vaccines should be in stock to cater to any emergency.

— Sonu Singh, Malwani resident

The government should take strict measures for people who are visiting from other states via roadways or air. Proper screening is to be done at airports and railway stations. People are seen photoshopping COVID reports in order to avoid visits to hospitals and the risk involved in doing tests. Also rules on gatherings have been eased now, which was earlier made strict when there was a spike in COVID-19 cases. Even now, there are people from slums who are struggling to get vaccinated as they are not aware about the consequences.

— Nabil Sakharkar, Customer engineer

So far the state government has tackled the COVID-19 issue skilfully; but at the same time, people should not think that they won't get the infection. It's the duty of every citizen to be careful and aware to follow universal rules that would keep them safe from COVID-19. Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, people should not be under the impression that the government is trying its best to protect the people, but it's our duty to protect against any kind of serious or minor infections. Without any complex we have to follow the rules and make our near and dear ones aware of the dangers.

—Prasad Padhye, tabla artist

First of all, the government is asking for two doses to travel in trains and entering malls. There are still restrictions in place. On the other hand, political rallies are going on, which isn't needed now. Also, with festivals coming up, the government needs to be stricter and steps need to be taken to prevent crowds from assembling.

—GR Vora, Sion resident

The authorities have already put up enough restrictions on Ganesh festivals and have also issued strict guidelines to the organisers so that crowding could be limited. The only thing that is required now is to follow them to prevent a spike in cases.

— Sanjeet Mandal, private sector employee