With 21% of DK’s Covid cases in city, MCC to tighten norms

Mangaluru: Despite having strict surveillance at the inter-state border in Talapady, Mangaluru city has been recording an average of nearly 21% of Dakshina Kannada’s Covid-19 cases.
The percentage of cases reported from the city increased from 17 to 21, compared to previous months. While the district recorded 2,138 cases in the last one week, 441 of them were from 60 wards of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), according to statistics available with the civic body.
As the city has been recording an average of 63 cases per day, MCC has decided to make enforcement of Covid-19 restrictions stringent. Out of 61 cases reported on Saturday, 16 were from Bendoor ward. Of the 74 cases reported on Friday, 10 were from Kunjathbail South ward. Milagres ward had recorded 12 out 72 cases on Wednesday. Only three wards, including Surathkal East, Alape South and Kannur, have not reported cases in the last one week.
Though the district has been recording more than 3% TPR, it has reported only 606 cases of Covid-19 violations in the last seven days. A total of 85,269 cases were booked and Rs 1,03,75,920 has been collected as penalty in the district.
Mayor Premanand Shetty told TOI that the city has been witnessing lapses in the enforcement of Covid rules. “MCC officials keep paying spot visits and conduct drives to enforce mask and social distancing norms in public places. Teams have been visiting pubs, bars and restaurants and other business premises. The district administration has already issued orders to close pubs, bars and restaurants by 7pm. We have also directed officials to monitor halls in the city, to prevent crowding during ceremonies. The district administration has allowed weddings with less than 50 guests with prior permission from urban local bodies. Officials have been visiting marriage halls to ensure adherence to Covid guidelines,” he added.