Localised shutdowns likely as Thane sees 371 cases in a day

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation is considering localised shutdowns amid the addition of 371 Covid-19 cases, the highest in a day in the city, on Saturday. The total count rose to 7,827.
As many as three government doctors from Thane and 20 police personnel — seven officers and 13 constables — from across the commissionerate were among those found infected.
“The doctors, two female and one male, worked together in the paediatric department of a government hospital,” a colleague said.
There were 14 new deaths, also a single-day high for the city. The death toll rose to 263.
“We may have to implement shutdowns in several parts of the city if the numbers continue to rise and the public doesn’t comply with safety norms,” additional municipal commissioner Ganesh Deshmukh said.
Officials and politicians from wards like Naupada, Kalwa and Majiwada Balkum, among others, have already started making preparations for the lockdown. “A shutdown seems inevitable and we are alerting locals in advance so they can be prepared and stock up adequately,” corporator Sanjay Bhoir from Majiwada said.
A team of experts from the Centre, including Lav Agarwal, additional secretary at the central health secretariat, and Dr Pradeep Vyas, chief secretary, health department, among others, visited the city and suggested increased testing and beefing up of health infrastructure to meet future challenges.
Collector Rajesh Narvekar was present at the meet.
Municipal officials said the coronavirus was fast snaking its way back into high-rises and upper class localities of Thane, nearly two months after the virus was virtually flushed out of these areas. Municipal officials blamed it on residents failing to adhere to safety norms after the easing of the lockdown.