Palghar, Maharashtra: In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding areas, the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus within the city. According to Commissioner and Administrator Anilkumar Pawar, the city's health system is fully prepared to tackle any potential outbreak.
The VVCMC Medical Health Department has launched intensive health screening drives across the city, targeting municipal hospitals, Urban Primary Health Centres, ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ clinics, Ayushman Health Centres, densely populated areas, and public spaces.
So far, 5,511 citizens have been screened, and 96 have undergone rapid testing. Of these, only one person tested positive and has since recovered and been discharged after receiving appropriate medical care.
To monitor and contain the spread of the virus, the health department is also collecting data from government and private hospitals regarding patients with COVID-like symptoms.
Dedicated isolation facilities have been arranged for any COVID-positive patients. A total of 50 beds have been allocated, 25 at Jivdani Hospital in Chandansar and 25 at Fatherwadi Hospital in Vasai East. Steps have been taken to ensure an uninterrupted oxygen supply, with five oxygen plants established by the municipality available to meet emergency demands.
A joint review meeting was held to assess the city’s preparedness, led by Pawar, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Herwade, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bhakti Chaudhary. During the meeting, officials reviewed ongoing strategies and issued new directives to strengthen preventive efforts across the city.
As of May 29, Maharashtra has reported six deaths in 2025, including three recent fatalities among individuals with serious pre-existing health conditions, according to the Financial Express. Mumbai has seen a surge in cases, recording 36 new infections on May 28 and a total of 346 cases in May, averaging 11 per day. Since January, the state has reported 521 cases, with 343 in May alone. The current active case count stands at 210, with urban areas like Thane and Pune also contributing.
The Municipal Corporation has appealed to citizens to cooperate in the fight against COVID-19 by taking personal precautions: wearing masks in public places, maintaining hand hygiene with soap or sanitizer, and seeking immediate medical consultation if symptoms like fever, cough, or cold appear.
