Health infra geared up, says BMC, after ‘hump day’ surge

Mumbai: BMC authorities said the jump in COVID-19 cases could be the mid-week hump that has been noticed on most Wednesdays since the pandemic began. For the first time in months, the number of tests conducted in Mumbai climbed past 2,000, crossing the World Health Organisation’s recommended level of 140 tests per million population (which works out to roughly 1,800 for Mumbai).

Despite the clear surge in COVID cases since early March, the authorities said there is no need to panic. “The public health system is prepared,” said BMC additional municipal commissioner Dr Sanjeev Kumar with respect to tests, hospital beds and medicines.

State health officials, quoting the central government’s projections in the last two weeks, said the increase could continue till May. “It is best to avoid crowded places and wear a mask when outdoors,” added Kumar.

Infectious diseases specialist Dr Tanu Singhal from Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Andheri, said the last COVID outbreak in the city was in June 2022. “The immunity from previous infections as well as booster vaccination could have waned since then,” she said. However, as people develop long-term ‘T cells immunity’, it’s perhaps helping keep the infections mild.

Dr Shashank Joshi from Lilavati Hospital, said there is no cause for worry as long as Omicron and its sub-lineages are the strains in circulation. “Due to a change in weather, many people are developing fever and flu-like symptoms. It is best if people go for self-testing, self-isolation and contact their doctor for advice on medication,” he said.