With the rise in the number ofcoronavirus cases in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Tuesday said it will use vacant properties in residential buildings, lodges, clubs and exhibition halls to quarantine suspected patients.The civic body issued a circular stating that vacant properties will be used to quarantine those who are suspected to have been exposed to coronavirus.The BMC has authorised its assistant commissioners to requisition vacant residential buildings, lodges, hotels, dharamshalas, clubs, exhibition centres, colleges, hostels, dormitories, cruise ships, banquet halls and gymkhanas with immediate effect.As per the circular, officials will provide food and make basic arrangements at these quarantine facilities.The civic body also warned action against property owners, who refused to adhere to its orders.Officials may initiate action under section 188 (disobeying an order issued by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code against those who refuse to comply with the BMC's directive, it read.These vacant properties will be used for 14-day quarantine of people who were in close contact with COVID-19 patients, especially those living in slums, chawls and other densely populated areas, a civic official said."The BMC will provide food and other facilities at these quarantine centres," he added.
