Cyclone Tauktae: Covid-19 vaccination centres in Mumbai shut for 2 days; Jumbo COVID centres asked to remain on standby

The Covid-19 vaccination drive has been suspended by the Mumbai civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in wake of Cyclone Tauktae. The government vaccination centres will remain closed on May 15 and 16.

“2-3 private centres are continuing with their vaccinations, but all government centers will be closed for vaccination today and tomorrow. We are focusing on the people due for their second dose. Elderly people and people with comorbidities are also on our priority,” Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar said.

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Speaking about the reason behind taking this decision, Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani told PTI “The decision was taken to avoid troubles for senior citizens and also possible crowding as the city is expected to get rains due to the cyclone.”

Kishori Pednekar also said that they will assess the situation and decide if there is a need to shift COVID-19 patients from Jumbo centres.

“All Jumbo COVID centres have been asked to remain on standby and if needed, patients to be shifted to other places. By afternoon we will have an update about this if patients need to be shifted. We are watching the situation closely,” she said.

All Jumbo COVID centres have been asked to remain on standby & if needed, patients to be shifted to other places. By afternoon we will have an update about this if patients nees to be shifted. We are watching the situation closely: Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar #CycloneTauktae pic.twitter.com/j1MfYLSwUc

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2021

She further added, “Around 100 lifeguards are placed at various beaches for emergency rescue etc. Fire brigade teams are also on stand-by. Bandra-Worli sea link will be closed for traffic today and tomorrow."

As per the predictions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai, Thane and Raigad would receive very heavy rainfall on Monday. Also, Raigad is expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds from Saturday (May 15).