BBMP to open 1 Covid care centre in each constituency

The spike in new cases in the state was driven by Bengaluru Urban which contributed 2,053 infections and three deaths

Covid Care Centres to reopen in all 27 assembly segments Covid Care Centres (CCCs) are set to make a comeback as Bengaluru grapples with a rising number of cases.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will reopen these centres in all 27 assembly constituencies. Patients with mild or no symptoms will be isolated at the facilities.

The civic body had spent nearly Rs 300 crore on setting up similar facilities in the first and second waves of Covid-19 although they turned out to be far less useful.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said, “We have been seeing an increase in Covid cases in line with the global trend.” He added that he had instructed officials to reopen CCCs in all the assembly constituencies. Patients with mild symptoms can get themselves admitted to these centres if they are unable to get treatment under home isolation.

On Monday, the BBMP reopened the CCC set up at the Kempegowda Community Hall in Nandini Layout, North Bengaluru. The facility has beds and an oxygen plant.

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During the peak of the second Covid wave last year, Bengaluru had a total of 60 CCCs with 3,400 beds. This time, the BBMP plans to first open 50-75-bed CCCs and may open more if there is a demand. The BBMP chief commissioner has asked for checking the unnecessary opening of CCCs.

‘CCCs are essential’

Murali Govindarajulu, a resident of Hagadur, who took part in voluntary Covid-related works during the first and second waves, believes that the CCCs are very much needed.

“People were initially hesitant about using these centres but when cases peaked, the CCCs were very helpful as doctors and nurses were available round the clock. It’s good that the BBMP is keeping these centres ready in advance,” he said.

Doctors in the BBMP’s health department say Omicron is milder than the Delta.

“About 90% of the patients who have been admitted in hospitals are being treated in general beds.

The demand for oxygen is also very low,” a BBMP health official said. “Our projections show that there could be 11,500 cases a day by January 15 if there are no restrictions. With restrictions, the daily average may be as less as 4,000 cases a day.”

Gupta echoed him, saying this could be because a large percentage of the city’s population has been vaccinated.

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