The BMC was in two minds about setting up three additional jumbo Covid-19 centres on open grounds after cyclone Tauktae damaged some of the existing ones on Monday, but after a meeting held on the issue on Tuesday, it decided to go ahead with the plan. They would only instruct the authorities concerned to strengthen the structures so that they can withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall.

As the BMC had to shift 580 patients from the Covid-19 centres to hospitals, concerns were raised over construction of the three new centres, which have been planned in view of a third wave. Meanwhile, the civic body will take about 10 days to repair the centres before opening them up again.