COVID-19: 19 cases reported in 4 days, civic body steps up hospital preparedness and testing

Maharashtra : After 19 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Navi Mumbai in the last four days, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up its preparations to prevent the possible spread of the virus. Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has directed all municipal hospitals to reserve beds for Covid-19 patients and ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including medicines, PPE kits, oxygen and surgical equipment.

Medical Health Officer Dr Prashant Javade said, “As of Wednesday noon, a total of 62 Covid-19 tests have been conducted in Navi Mumbai – 60 RT-PCR tests and 2 rapid antigen tests. Of the 62 positive cases, four are in quarantine and the rest are admitted. None of them is serious and all are fine. The variant is yet to be confirmed.” In a review meeting with Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, Dr Javade and other officials, Dr Shinde stressed the need for immediate action. He directed the Health Department to enhance testing capacity, set up dedicated Covid-19 wards in the three municipal hospitals and ensure that medical and paramedical staff remain on high alert for prompt response.