COVID-19: BMC appeals not to panic but to take preventive steps

IANS May 20, 2025 325 views

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued a comprehensive health advisory about the current COVID-19 situation in Mumbai. Despite two recent hospital deaths unrelated to coronavirus, the BMC emphasizes that COVID-19 is now considered an endemic health issue with very rare sporadic cases. They are urging citizens to remain calm while taking necessary preventive measures like wearing masks and maintaining hygiene. The city's hospitals are equipped with sufficient beds and monitoring systems to handle potential cases.

"COVID-19 is now considered an endemic and ongoing health problem" - BMC Health Advisory
COVID-19: BMC appeals not to panic but to take preventive steps
Mumbai, May 19: The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday appealed to the citizens not to panic, especially in the wake of serious illnesses.

Key Points

1

BMC confirms low COVID-19 cases from January to April 2025

2

Hospital facilities remain prepared for potential cases

3

Precautions crucial for vulnerable populations

4

Common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue

The advisory was issued after two women from Sindhudurg and Dombivli undergoing treatment at the city hospital, died on Sunday, due to multiple serious illnesses (Nephrotic syndrome with Hypocalcemic seizures, cancer). BMC has clarified that they have not died due to COVID-19.

BMC said, "COVID-19 is now considered an endemic and ongoing health problem. As the virus has become established at the community level, cases of COVID-19 are now sporadic and very rare."

It said that in recent days, the number of COVID-19 cases has been increasing in Singapore, Hong Kong, East Asia and other countries.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's health department is constantly monitoring the spread of COVID-19 to keep it under control.

"The number of COVID-19 patients has been very low from January 2025 to April 2025. Some patients have been seen since May, however, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration is appealing to the citizens not to panic in this regard," it said.

As per BMC, treatment and guidance facilities are available in the civic hospitals, including Seven Hills Hospital has 20 beds (MICU), 20 beds for children and pregnant women and 60 general beds.

Kasturba Hospital has two intensive care (ICU) beds and a special ward of 10 beds with a provision to increase the capacity immediately.

"Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough (dry or with phlegm), sore or achy throat, fatigue, body aches, and headache. Symptoms may also include a runny nose, a runny nose, and a loss of taste or smell. These symptoms can often be similar to those of a common cold and can vary from person to person. In severe cases, difficulty breathing is a major warning sign," said the BMC advisory.

BMC further said that COVID-19 can be prevented by taking proper precautions. Especially patients with serious illnesses and low immunity, such as cancer, the elderly, diabetes, high blood pressure and liver disease should take proper precautions.

BMC has urged the citizens to consult a municipal clinic, hospital, or family doctor if they find symptoms like fever, cough (dry or with phlegm), sore or achy throat, fatigue, body aches, and headache.

BMC has also appealed to the citizens to wear a mask in public if found with symptoms, keep distance from others, wash hands frequently with soap and water and follow a proper diet and take rest.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Good to see BMC being proactive! But I wish they'd provide more details about the new cases - are these new variants? We Mumbaikars have been through enough during the pandemic. Better safe than sorry, I'll start carrying masks again. 👍
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Rahul S.
Why is BMC only now talking about increasing cases in Singapore/Hong Kong? Our airports should have thermal screening back for int'l travelers. Our population density makes us vulnerable. BMC needs to be more alert!
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Anjali M.
As someone with elderly parents, this is concerning. The advisory is helpful but BMC should conduct vaccination camps again. Many haven't taken boosters. Also, why no mention of home testing kits? They were so useful last time!
V
Vikram P.
BMC is handling this well. No need for panic but sensible precautions make sense. I appreciate they're being transparent about hospital capacity. Mumbai's medical infrastructure is much better prepared now than in 2020. 🙏
S
Sunita R.
The timing is suspicious - just before monsoon when viral fevers are common. Is BMC preparing us for something bigger? They should clarify if these are Omicron variants or something new. More transparency please!
K
Karan D.
Good advisory but implementation is key. BMC should ensure all local trains/buses have hand sanitizers. Also, what about crowded areas like Crawford Market? Need targeted awareness campaigns in local languages too.

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