Coronavirus: BMC takes over 240 rooms near Mumbai airport to quarantine incoming passengers

Readying for a long-drawn medical war with coronavirus, the Maharashtra government has decided to take over hundreds of rooms from private hotels and guest houses near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to quarantine incoming passengers.

However, those quarantined in these locations would have to cough out the applicable charges for the comfortable quarantine stay.

"This is for those who would not prefer to remain in home-quarantine," Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) Commissioner Pravin Pardeshi said.

Accordingly, Pardeshi has issued an order through the MCGM and requisitioned 240-odd rooms from private hotels, guest houses, etc.

He has directed the concerned officials to negotiate the rates with the respective hotel managements.

As per the current plans, 20 rooms will be procured from the Miraj (Madison Group), 100 from the ITC Maratha, 70 rooms form the PWD guest house at Andheri and 50 from the Niranta Airport Transit Hotel.

These rooms will be designated as for 'Quarantine', he said.

Others requiring to be isolated will be sent to the Seven Hills Hospital, Andheri east, where 400 beds are kept ready.

Presently, Maharashtra has 39 COVID-19 positive cases, the highest in India.

Besides, around 600 people are in 'home quarantine' in Mumbai, under the watchful eyes of the police and health authorities.

The government in an unprecedented move, has issued orders by which all those in home quarantine will be "stamped" on the back of left-hand palm to identify them if they step out of isolation and attempt to mingle with the general public.

Besides, those who refuse to be quarantined at their homes, will be forcibly shifted to a government facility and isolated there as per the medical requirements.