Schools shut due to lockdown, PMC plans to turn 140 of them into quarantine centres

The PMC has also started to set up swab collection centres in schools so that residents of the five ward areas, in 'red zones' or areas with high case prevalence, can have access to these centres easily

coronavirus, india lockdown, pmc, pune schools, pune lockdown, indian express news

The civic body has already zeroed in on 40 marriage halls and 140 schools, which will be converted into quarantine facilities. (Representational Photo)

After turning some hostels on college campuses into quarantine centres, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started the process of setting up such centres, as well as centres for swab collection, inside school buildings.

All schools and colleges in Pune are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Many of those shifted to institutional quarantine centres oppose it as these are located far from their localities. The PMC is working on resolving the situation by setting up quarantine centresclose to the locality of patients and suspected patients,” said Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad.

The civic body has already zeroed in on 40 marriage halls and 140 schools, which will be converted into quarantine facilities. “This should enable us to keep patients from a certain locality in a quarantine facility near their area of residence… this may make them more agreeable to the idea of quarantine,” said Gaikwad.

The PMC has also started to set up swab collection centres in schools so that residents of the five ward areas, in ‘red zones’ or areas with high case prevalence, can have access to these centres easily.

The civic body is also in the process of setting up its largest facility so far — a 1,500-bed quarantine centre and Covid care centre for patients at the Shiv Chhatrapti Sports complex in Balewadi.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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