One more week like this for Mumbai, city to remain at Level 3

People buy clothes at Borivli, earlier this month. File pic

Despite being eligible for relaxations as per Level 1, for the second consecutive week the BMC has decided to keep the city at Level 3. However, civic officials said if the test positivity rate (TPR) dips below 2 per cent in the next week, then they would think of implementing Level 2 relaxations. As of now, there won't be any further relaxations for shop and office timings and local travel.

Workers at a shop in Dadar wait for customers. File pic

Two weeks back when the state government came out with a three-step formula for the unlock process based on TPR and availability of oxygen beds, Mumbai was in Level 3 as its TPR was above 5 per cent. Though the city's TPR was 4.20 per cent in the last week, the civic body did not implement the Level 2 relaxations.

As per the latest circular issued by the state government, Mumbai's last week's TPR is 3.79 per cent and the oxygen bed occupancy is 23.5 per cent. Technically the city is eligible for Level 1 relaxations but the BMC has decided to keep it at Level 3. "Though the city's TPR is on the decline, we will try to reduce it further and then decide on opening up. If the TPR continues to dip in the next week then some relaxations may be implemented. As of now, there is no change in curbs," said Suresh Kakani, additional commissioner of the BMC.

Another official added, "The number of cases is still between 600 and 700. If it comes down to below 500 and TPR reduces to about 1.5 per cent, then we can say the city is under control. If the TPR dips below 2 per cent then the city may open up as per Level 2."

Speaking to mid-day, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said, "Level 3 will continue for the next week."

"We understand that the corporation is being extra cautious because of the population density and congestion. However, traders and hoteliers are not responsible for crowding on streets. It is due to illegal hawkers and the BMC/police have not been able to control them. The traders are having a hard time surviving in the city in view of the high rents, taxes, salaries and other overheads," said Viren Shah, president of the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association.

Relaxations criteria
>> Level 1 - TPR below 5 per cent, oxygen bed occupancy below 25 per cent
>> Level 2 - TPR below 5 per cent, oxygen bed occupancy between 25 and 40 per cent
>> Level 3 - TPR between 5 and 10 per cent, oxygen bed occupancy more than 40 per cent

Curbs at various levels
>> Level 1 - Regular work can start, control over super-spreaders like travel by local trains, marriage functions etc.
>> Level 2 - Minimise attendance in closed spaces and public places. Minimise group movements
>> Level 3 - Minimise movement post 5 pm on weekdays and on weekends. All non-essential activities should be allowed till 4 pm

3.79%
Mumbai's last week's test positivity rate