West Bengal: COVID-19 positive cases touch 198 as situation worsens
Kolkata/UNI/IBNS: With 24 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus recorded in last 24 hours, the number of active COVID-19 positive cases in West Bengal has reached 198 as CM Mamata Banerjee urged people in the districts and in Kolkata to follow lockdown measures strictly.
With Kolkata being declared as "hotspot" or " red star", the State Government has deputed combat forces to the "containment" areas. The "high risk zone" areas have been sealed, reported UNI news agency.
The death toll in the state due to COVID-19 stands at 12.
State Health and Family Welfare department stated that 66 patients have recovered so far from novel coronavirus and four patients were discharged after treatment in last 24 hours.
Senior health officials said the state tested 5045 samples so far.
Presently, 525 persons are admitted in hospital isolation in West Bengal while 35081 people are under home quarantine in the state.
Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's data shows the total number of confirmed Covid-19 positive cases, which includes the active cases, deaths and number of patients cured, has climbed to 310 in West Bengal.
With Kolkata being declared as "hotspot" area by the Centre, the State Government has deputed combat forces to the "containment" areas.
The "high risk zone" areas have been sealed, while every division will comprise seven combat force personnel.
The combat force personnel will take total control of the city roads and will conduct route march from tomorrow morning.
Banerjee has appealed people of the city and neighbouring Howrah to adhere to lockdown strictly.
Nodal officers have been appointed for the districts. It was learnt altogether 12 Nodal officers have been appointed and they will fan out to their respective districts with immediate effect.
On Nodal officer will oversee one or more districts.
There have been reports that lockdown is not being adhered to in several congested areas in the city and instruction has been issued to keep a close watch in the regions.
The State Government will also conduct pool testing of the samples on line of Kerala, sources informed.
Meanwhile, visibly annoyed, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday stated "diversionary approach is not acceptable".
Dhankar tweeted, “ OMG! Where are we heading! What a response of ACS Home @MamataOfficial to issues of curtailment of MPs activities. "
“This diversionary approach is not acceptable. Would urge CM to rectiy," he stated.
“Bereft of any content. How ironical ! While One can feed thousands daily, others can’t even step out ! Very serious. Can’t leave at this ‘cover up,” he said.
“MPs @Drsubhassarkar@johnbarlabjp@ArjunsinghWB@RajuBistaBJP had raised valid issues as administration @MamataOfficial had compromised their activities,” the Governor said.
This diversionary approach is not acceptable.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) April 19, 2020
Would urge CM to rectiy.
MPs @Drsubhassarkar @johnbarlabjp @ArjunsinghWB @RajuBistaBJP had raised valid issues as administration @MamataOfficial had compromised their activities.
Such serious issues can’t be so brushed aside.
“Such serious issues can’t be so brushed aside,” he said.
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