Mumbai's vacant properties to turn into quarantine centres

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 BMCs directive, it read.

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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.

On Tuesday, as many as 72 new coronavirus cases were detected in Maharashtra, 59 of them in Mumbai alone.