Mumbai’s administrative operations faced a significant disruption as the state headquarters, Mantralaya, was closed for two days for fumigation following the detection of COVID-19 cases among staff. Concurrently, 15 employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) service tested positive, highlighting ongoing public transport vulnerabilities in the city’s pandemic management framework.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported 393 new COVID-19 infections in Mumbai over a 24-hour period, while 25 deaths were also recorded, marking a concerning rise in both cases and fatalities. Among the deceased, several had pre-existing conditions, underscoring the virus’s heightened risk to vulnerable populations. Officials noted that the city’s containment and isolation measures remain under continuous review to prevent further spread. Following the detection of four COVID-19 cases among Mantralaya staff, authorities ordered fumigation of the main building and the adjacent administrative complex. All operations were suspended on April 29 and 30 to ensure comprehensive sanitation. An official highlighted that the closure aims to safeguard essential government employees and prevent potential transmission within high-density workspaces, which play a central role in state governance.
The outbreak among BEST personnel, comprising seven conductors, four drivers, two employees from the electricity department, and two from the transport engineering division, has prompted targeted testing and temporary adjustments to public transport schedules. An official confirmed that these interventions are crucial to maintaining continuity of city services while prioritising staff safety. BEST continues to operate with staggered staffing and enhanced sanitisation protocols for buses and depots. In parallel, civic authorities have implemented modified waste collection mechanisms in containment zones, processing approximately 37 tonnes daily from both residential and institutional quarantine facilities. The measures aim to limit the potential spread of infection through municipal services, reflecting a broader push for resilient urban operations during health emergencies.
Public health experts stress that proactive workplace closures and sanitisation, coupled with timely testing, remain the most effective methods to curb institutional transmission. Surveillance, staff rotation, and adherence to protective measures in public service environments are essential for sustaining critical city operations while protecting employees. As India continues to assess lockdown measures, including potential extensions in hotspots, Mumbai’s administrative and transport responses provide a model for managing essential urban services amidst rising infection rates. City authorities are balancing operational continuity with rigorous safety protocols to maintain governance and public infrastructure functionality.
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