Coronavirus Pune: Two slum pockets in Bopodi identified as new COVID-19 hotspots

Two slum pockets in Bopodi under Aundh-Baner region in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) reported 71 COVID-19 positive cases and one death, between May 24 to June 6. With around 1,000 households in the slum areas, it is said to be fresh coronavirus hotspots in Pune.

According to authorities, 47 out of 71 cases were recorded in just 48 hours. With a surge in cases, both slums are sealed, no one is allowed to leave or enter the area.

The first case was recorded on May 24, following which 70 other cases were reported until June 6.

Along the Bopodi rail line, there are three slum regions with a whopping population of around 2,500. Officials said, survey no. 24 and 25 are worst-affected slums amongst the three and survey number 26 only recorded one coronavirus positive case till date.

Around 450 at-risk residents were tested last week. Health officials are awaiting the results of 88 residents who have a history of chronic illness and comorbidities.

Medical officials have been disinfecting community toilets for 20 per cent of households who don't have personal washrooms. Although, 80 per cent of the population has personal toilets.

To contain the spread of the virus, community washrooms must be disinfected regularly and PMC should provide mobile toilets for slum regions as per the central government's suggestion, said Health Experts.

65 slum pockets in Pune have been declared as micro containment zones, all shops are shut and no one is allowed to leave their residence.

As on June 8, Pune has 9,342 confirmed cases and 290 new cases were reported from PMC region in the last 24 hours. Overall PMC has 7,722 confirmed cases in its limits.

In Maharashtra, heavily dense rural communities and slum pockets are turning into COVID-19 hotspots, these areas lack social distancing due to huge population and no proper toilets. Such areas should be closely monitored.