Wankhede Stadium to be used as quarantine centre

In a letter issued by the municipal corporation, MCGM assistant commissioner 'A' ward, stated: "You are hereby directed to handover the possession of hotel/lodge/clubs/college/exhibition centres/dormitories/marriage hall/gymkhana/banquet hall with immediate effect. The said premises will be used for emergency staff of 'A' Ward and quarantining the person whoever in contact with positive COVID-19 patient and are not symptomatic."

The order goes on to state, "If you fail to comply with the above directive, you will be liable for action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code."

With the locality of Dharavi severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic - with 1145 positive cases and 53 deaths to date - as many as 2646 quarantine centres have been set up across the city.

The Wankhede Stadium joins a number of other 'gymkhanas' that have been acquired by the MCGM in recent times in anticipation of a rise in cases. Many of these have already been turned into healthcare facilities.

Much earlier, the Cricket Association of Bengal offered the use of Eden Gardens to the West Bengal government as a quarantine centre.