COVID-19 in Dharavi slums a matter of concern, says Rajesh Tope

After being tested coronavirus positive on Wednesday, the 56-year-old patient who died later in the night at Sion Hospital. The deceased person had symptoms like fever, cough, respiratory issues and also had a co-morbid condition of renal failure.

Maharashtra: Dharavi area of Mumbai; a resident of the area who had tested positive for #COVID19 lost his life at Sion Hospital yesterday. The deceased person had symptoms like fever, cough, respiratory issues and also had a co-morbid condition of renal failure. pic.twitter.com/xRx31hGzZD

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2020

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said , "so far the virus seemed to be classist but now it is being seen among the masses as well. It is a matter of concern once the virus reaches a congested place such as Dharavi."

The deceased had no foreign travel history and used to run a local garments shop in Dharavi. Authorities have sealed the entire society he lived in which has over 300 flats and some 90 shops.

All high-risk contacts in the area have been stamped and quarantined following the detection.

"Swabs of all family members and residents of the building are being sent for testing. All senior citizens and patients with respiratory illness in Baliga Nagar will be tested, said Kiran Dighavkar, ward officer.

He also said that BMC will ensure food and ration reaches the building.

The Maharashtra government is following the policy of 3Ts tracing, testing and treatment to identify all cases in the state, said Tope.