Coronavirus outbreak: Wankhede Stadium to be used as quarantine centre
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to use Wankhede Stadium as quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients in the city. BMC issued a letter to MCA, demanding the "immediate handover" of stadium. Acknowledging the letter, MCA secretary Sanjay Naik stated the association will duly cooperate with the authorities. Here is what the letter read.
"The premises will be used for emergency staff of A ward and quarantining people who have come in contact with COVID-19 patients and are not symptomatic," the letter issued by Chanda R. Jadhav, assistant commissioner of A ward, read.
MCA secretary Sanjay Naik confirmed the association will cooperate with the authorities and is waiting for further instructions. "We are waiting for further instructions from the assistant commissioner," he said. The ground is unlikely to be used with pre-monsoon showers expected to turn up soon. However, indoor facilities such as press box, president's box and a few corporate boxes may be used.
Since the stadium is located at a residential area in Marine Drive, the residents are bemused. They are being cautious, as far as the safety is concerned. "This is very worrying. We were afraid that it might come to this. But our lane is completely residential and the BMC and the government will have to ensure our safety," said a 50-year-old resident.
The Wankhede Stadium that hosted the 2011 World Cup final, joins the gymkhanas on Marine Drive, acquired by BMC for setting up quarantine facilities. The BMC has already converted the National Sports Club of India in Worli and Mahalaxmi Racecourse into temporary health care facilities.
