COVID-19 Tally In Mumbai Cross 50,000, But Infection Rate In Worli, Dharavi Are On The Decline

Mumbai, the worst affected city in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic crossed another grim milestone on Tuesday as it passed the 50,000 mark. As of Tuesday morning, Mumbai's tally was at 50,085 including 26,345 active cases.

The city has seen 1,702 deaths so far due to COVID-19. While the situation still remains bleak, there is a glimmer of hope - in two of the worst affected regions - Dharavi and Worli are recording a decline in the number of new infections.

BCCL

Dharavi, Asia's largest slum which is also a coronavirus hotspot, has reported not a single COVID-19 death in the last six days while 939 of the total 1,899 patients have recovered, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said on Sunday. 34 people had tested positive for coronavirus on June 1 and the number has now come down to 10, he said.

"Dharavi has not reported a single death in the last six days, which is the first major indicator that we are on the right track. The number of people getting discharged is also increasing," Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G North Ward of BMC, Kiran Dighavkar said.

BCCL

"Dharavi area has reported 71 deaths so far. But the real change is (reflected) in the daily testing of samples. A total of 34 people had tested positive for coronavirus on June 1 which has now come down to 10," Dighavkar said.

Dighavkar attributed the lower number of cases to aggressive screening and testing of suspected cases in Dharavi with activation of fever clinics. "With the help of fever clinics, we could identify the people showing symptoms similar to that of coronavirus infection. We isolated them immediately which helped in either containing further transmission of the virus or spreading any kind of infection from those who are feeling unwell," he said.

BCCL

Dharavi in central Mumbai had reported the first coronavirus case on April 1, almost a week after the national lockdown came into force. Since then, the area has became a focal point as it is home to many small-scale industries. Dharavi is also a major supplier of informal labour.

In Worli, where on an average 60 cases were reported daily in May, the new infections have come down to 35-40 in June. The doubling rate of Dharavi has gone up to 44 days, while it takes 38 days for cases to double in Worli. Last week, the infection rate in Maharashtra had dropped below the national average for the first time.