Koramangala records the lowest active COVID-19 cases, and zero deaths

By Chandrima Mazumdar

(Updated on Dec 3): Koramangala recorded a record low of 61 active COVID-19 cases from November 5 to 21. Amid the pandemic, the efforts of BBMP and citizens seem to have been rewarded with the number of active cases dropping from 424 in October to 162 in November (updated after this story was first published). That is a dramatic drop of 70% from the previous month, according to the BBMP.

How did it happen?

Rahul Francis, a volunteer and the BBMP mobile testing coordinator for ward 151 (Koramangala), says that their contact tracing team is strict on testing. Every day mobile test units are set up around different blocks. Other than setting up these units where people can come and get tested, Francis says that they have taken the initiative to get the entire fleet of 500 delivery personnel affiliated with Swiggy tested for COVID-19. More than 90% of hotels, pubs, restaurants, and offices have been tested. “The police also coordinate,” he says. “If anyone creates a ruckus and does not want to get tested, the cops send the Hoysala (Bangalore City Police’s mobile patrolling squad).”

October vs November

Koramangala recorded only two deaths due to COVID-19 in October and there hasn’t been none in November. One of the biggest reasons is that the BBMP volunteers and staff are following the government guidelines to the letter. “We don’t allow people over the age of 60 with co-morbidities (diabetes, heart problems, etc.) to home isolate,” explains Francis. “We have a 12-member Home Quarantine team who keep monitoring positive and primary contacts. At this point, I feel like I am the best friend of the home-quarantined people.”

Organised testing units

The testing units in Koramangala are so well organised that even people from other areas have started pouring in to get tested.  Shadab Haider, BBMP’s health inspector for Koramangala, says, “Social distancing and masks are mandatory. Though the pubs are open, we have asked to limit the people, so that social distancing can be maintained at any cost. We specify these conditions in our permission letter to them.”

Residents support the initiative

Koramangala resident Debalina Das applauds Francis and his teams’ work. “They are working proactively, and continuously giving positive reinforcements and every day updates about the situation,” she says. “There is a lot of motivation by them, and the situation is getting better so the residents are also willingly cooperating.”