Mumbai: BMC says will play 'pawri' poopers if COVID-19 norms not followed

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, the country's richest civic body joined the 'pawri ho rahi hain' trend to send out a message to citizens. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) posted a picture on Twitter with a warning for Mumbaikars that read, "If your 'pawri' flouts Covid norms we'll play 'pawri' poopers!"

"Responsible ‘Pawri' Mode: ON!" read the caption. Joining the viral 'Pawri' brigade, the civic body urged Mumbaikars to not let their guard down. "Let's beat the virus before we start the party!" they said while urging people to practice appropriate COVID-19 behaviour.

In view of the rising number of cases, the BMC had said that it will take action against the owners and management of gyms, hotels, restaurants, and marriage halls if anyone is found without a mask on their premises. The civic body has also capped the maximum number of people at weddings, religious and family functions to 50.

Sealing of buildings, stamping of asymptomatic patients, tracking high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive patients, and stringent fines for not wearing masks are a few of the steps undertaken by the BMC once again to curb the spike. According to the civic body, Mumbai has witnessed 36.38 per cent rise in the active COVID-19 cases since February 8.

Careless attitude of citizens, allowing people to travel in local trains and opening up of various other commercial activities were among the reasons behind the current surge in COVID-19 cases, officials said. BMC's additional municipal commissioner Suresh Kakani said, "Many people are behaving as if the COVID-19 threat is not there. They are not following protocols at public places."

On February 20, the civic body sealed a total of 1,305 buildings after 2,749 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the city. Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra continue to witness a spike in cases since the second week of February.

(With inputs from agencies)