They say those who move about the city despite being down with cold and fever could become superspreaders
Omicron symptoms-fever, cough and cold and bodyache-mimic those of the flu
The striking similarities between the symptoms of seasonal flu and the Omicron-triggered Covid could be driving the numbers up in the city. As per experts from the state Covid task force, those who are using public transports and moving about in the city despite being down with cold could become super spreaders. They say citizens must exercise caution. While fever, cough, cold and body ache are tied to the Omicron strain, they are also the symptoms of common cold and flu that mostly affect people in winter and need the care of a general physician. The recovery time of 4-5 days is another common factor.
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Dr Gautam Bhansali, state task force advisor and an infectious disease consultant at Bombay Hospital, said, “The government is fully trying to control the spread of this Covid disease and trying that 3rd wave doesn’t come to Mumbai. People should take responsibility. If people are not conducting their Covid or Omicron tests, then they should quarantine themselves at home at least till they recover. They should avoid going to public places. If people don’t take any responsibility, then they will become super spreaders.” Another concern, Dr Bhansali said, is that a large number of people are doing antigen tests at home and not sharing the findings with civic authorities.
78 city cops positive
In the past 24 hours, 78 Mumbai police personnel tested positive for Covid, showed BMC data on Thursday night. So far, the department has had 9,517 cases, with 123 fatalities in the first wave. At present, 272 city cops are hospitalised. Mumbai police Spokesperson DCP S. Chaitanya said, “Those cops who have been found Covid positive are taking treatment and those who were working with them and having any symptoms can quarantine themselves. Those above 55 years will be deployed for side work or allowed to work from home.” Since December 24, 2021, the virus has also affected 87 BEST staffers.
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