Thane: Tech-savvy society keeps pandemic rumours at bay

THANE: Residents of Thane's Regency Heights stayed abreast of the latest news and information on the pandemic with efficient, modern technology. With a one-way broadcast channel platform that allows you to convey messages to large audiences, inhabitants of the 300-odd flats received 'crystal clear' updates through the lockdown, without unnecessary forwards and messages that tend to hamper clarity.
Soon after the pandemic struck, the proactive management committee decided to use a free platform to relay important updates to help fight "The Invisible Enemy". Adopted in April, updates on this channel ranged from details of those flying in from abroad who will need to be home quarantined for 14 days to the availability of vegetable vendors in the lobby. In use for around a 100 days now, this software-along with the management's official Gmail and other tools-serves as a digital chronicle of the bevy of spontaneous and creative initiatives undertaken by the committee under the leadership of chairman P Diwakar, secretary Manoj Mantry and treasurer Naveen Sharma.
"We closed our doors much before anyone else understood the need to do so," says a member, adding that just before the Janata Curfew on March 22, the committee restricted entry of outsiders into the complex. It also closed common facilities, in line with government directives. "Special emphasis was on the safety and security of our senior citizens who are living alone and need special attention," says the member.
For residents' health, the secretary requested Yoga teacher Girish Kadam to telecast classes live via Instagram twice a day. Besides arranging accommodation for eight housekeeping and four security staff in the premises, 100 families also supplied tea, biscuits and snacks to them thrice a day. The complex formed a 'Home Quarantine Group' to provide assistance with essential services for families in home quarantine. They also ensured that the lift, reception and lobby areas were cleaned four times a day. Other initiatives included the regular provision of groceries and ATM facilities. "For the first 70 days of lockdown, we did not have a single Covid patient," says a member.