PCMC designates new Bhosari COVID unit to treat +ve travellers

Move comes in light of growing concerns over more transmittable UK virus strain

Amid growing concerns over the new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) strain across the globe, India, along with a host of other countries, has temporarily suspended all flights from the United Kingdom. In light of the travel restrictions, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has decided to treat travellers testing positive for COVID-19 at the new civic-run hospital in Bhosari. The move is a part of the precautionary measure undertaken in view of the presumably more contagious virus variant.

Even the state government has imposed stricter rules for passengers coming in from the UK and issued a fresh set of standard operating protocols (SOPs) to all municipal corporations and local bodies in Maharashtra.

The seemingly fast-spreading COVID-19 variant found in the UK is believed to be up to 70 per cent more transmissible. It has also been reported that a distinct phylogenetic cluster of SARS-CoV-2 has been detected.

Speaking to Mirror, Ajit Pawar, additional commissioner of PCMC, said that the local body has chalked out a plan to prevent the new strain of COVID-19 from taking the city under its grip. “We have made arrangements to put up the incoming passengers from UK, rest of Europe and Dubai at two hotels, where they will be quarantined. Those who are symptomatic will be tested immediately, while the others will be tested on the fourth or fifth day of arrival, when the chances of the viral load to be in the body are high,” explained Pawar.

Ateam appointed by PCMC is coordinating with the airport authorities constantly, the official informed, adding that passengers will be transported in vehicles assigned by the civic body to the designated centres. It is mandatory for every passenger to remain in quarantine at the designated hotel, with the home isolation option being ruled out for now, Pawar emphasised.

He further added that since these passengers testing positive have higher chances of carrying the new COVID-19 strain in their system, therefore the new Bhosari hospital has been demarcated for treating them. The existing COVID-19 patients (18) undergoing treatment at the hospital will be shifted to other COVID-19 care centres, said Pawar.

Commenting on the present crisis, Dr Pawan Salve, additional health chief of PCMC, claimed that since the virus outbreak, PCMC authorities have been on their toes to contain the spread of the infection, adding that although the COVID situation started coming under control, healthcare authorities have to be more alert now to stop the new strain from creating havoc in the city. “Many doctors and healthcare workers contracted the virus while treating COVID-19-positive patients. A dedicated team has been appointed at the Bhosari facility, who will not be allowed to mingle with other COVID or non-COVID hospital staff. We don’t want anyone to be a carrier of the new virus strain,” added Dr Salve.