COVID Negative Test Reports Mandatory For Entry Into Mumbai Malls: BMC

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday made the COVID-19 negative test report mandatory for people entering shopping malls in Mumbai.

According to the reports, the new rules will come into effect from next Monday 22 March. If people are not taking negative reports, they will be tested at the entrance (rapid antigen). In addition to the mall, civic officials will conduct antigen testing at other congested locations in the city.

The announcement comes a day after the city recorded the most single-day spike with 2,877 fresh cases on Thursday. With 17,153 active cases, the Mumbai district now has the third most active infection in the country.

While many districts in Maharashtra have withdrawn the night curfew, local restrictions, no decision has been taken on a similar ban in Mumbai. The new rule for mall entry gives an indication that civic officials would choose such restrictions to check the crowd rather than go for a curfew or lockdown at night.

Mumbai currently has 34 active control zones and 267 buildings sealed. Authorities have also revealed that the highest number of reported new infections in the last two months have occurred from apartments.

Between March 17 and 18, BMC officials detected 14,979 high-risk contacts, its latest bulletin said. The civic authorities are tearing down nightclubs, wedding hall authorities, rules for individuals.

Following are the new rules in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation areas

> No religious/cultural/political gathering allowed

> Cinemas (single screen/multiplex) & hotels to operate at 50% capacity

> 50 people allowed for weddings & 20 for funerals

> All offices, except health & essential, to operate at 50% – work from home advised.

> Residential buildings with more than five active Covid-19 patients will be sealed.

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