As of Thursday, more than 1,200 individuals arriving in Bengal from countries affected by the coronavirus have been placed in quarantine, according to a health department official. Out of a total of 1,252 individuals under surveillance until March 4, 115 have completed the monitoring period. Presently, one person is isolated in a medical facility, while 1,136 are undergoing home surveillance in stable conditions.
Up to now, 29 samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and ICMR-NICED, Kolkata, with none testing positive, as stated by the official. As a precautionary step, 92 beds in various state hospitals are prepared. According to the health department, 42,913 travelers have been screened at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports, and 87,871 individuals have undergone screening at seven checkpoints along the Nepal and Bangladesh borders until March 4.
Furthermore, 3,132 crew members from different ships have been screened at the state’s three ports. Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya affirmed that the state government is fully prepared to handle the coronavirus. District magistrates and civic bodies have been instructed to stay vigilant and stock masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment. Kolkata Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh, in a recent meeting, stated that preparations have begun to address potential cases, with a reporting mechanism in place for patients’ details and timely communication with the state government. Despite no positive cases reported so far, authorities remain on high alert.
