BENGALURU: The number of Covid cases at
SNN Raj Lakeview apartment in Bilekahalli,
Bommanahalli, Bengaluru, almost doubled on Tuesday, with another 47 testing positive on Tuesday. With 56 being infected on Monday, it takes the total to 103.
Residents of the apartment complex said they had to brave taunts and even stones thrown from neighbours, but insist they are not panicking as volunteers and BBMP officials are ensuring that their food and other daily needs are met through online shopping. The apartment complex has been declared a containment zone.
“According to protocol issued by the health department states any area which has more than 20 positive cases should be termed a containment zone. This apartment has therefore been cordoned off,” said M Ramakrishna, Bommanahalli joint commissioner. He said security personnel and a team of volunteers are distributing groceries to residents.
“Initially, the atmosphere was one of fear, but things have now settled down,” said a senior member of SNN Raj Lakeview apartment member committee.
Another member said, “But, people seem to be making a big issue of the outbreak. We should not be stigmatized, but people from the neigbhourhood are reacting rudely and harassing us. Some people are throwing stones and hurling abuse.”
BBMP said it has taken steps to protect the residents and marshals have been deployed in the vicinity. “Behaving badly with residents is unacceptable. Anyone can be infected. This should be a lesson for everyone,” Ramakrishna said. “Our medical team is on standby 24/7 and we are ready for any emergency.”