Covid-19: Thane takes antigen tests to doorstep, Diva new hotspot?

THANE: The civic body is collaborating with gated complexes to encourage residents to opt for antigen tests as a precautionary measure to detect positive cases in time.
A civic official said they were approaching housing societies, especially those in containment zones or areas reporting many cases. Officials said many hesitate to visit civic offices or hospitals, fearing exposure, so having a testing centre at their doorstep may encourage many to opt for it.
“Tests will be voluntary. We are taking committee members’ help to convince residents to opt for the test, that will give us an idea of the virus’ trajectory in certain pockets, and help us to take timely action,” said deputy civic chief Sandeep Malvi.
The city reported 274 new cases on Monday, taking the tally to 27,969, with six new deaths, taking the toll to 864. The recovery rate was 87%, with 24,442 recovering and 2,663 under treatment; 4,744 tests were done on Sunday and nearly two lakh till date.
Diva, with dense localities and poorly-developed infrastructure, is now posing a fresh challenge as cases are increasing and overtaking other hotspots.
The suburb registered a 1.2% growth rate of cases, next only to Majiwada-Manpada, which had a rate of 1.3% on Saturday. Naupada-Kopri has seen cases rising by 1.1%, while earlier hotspots of Lokmanya Nagar, Wagle estate and even Mumbra recorded 0.4%-0.8%.
“Diva has congested localities and community taps and toilets add to concerns,” said Shiv Sena corporator Shailesh Patil. The authorities said they were doing conducting checks.
NMMC starts bill grievance centre
After complaints of private hospitals overcharging Covid patients, NMMC started a bill grievances centre at its headquarters. Call 27567389 to register a complaint, or Whats-App it to 7208490010, or email it to cbcc@nmmconline.com, with a copy of the bill.