Lockdown can't be stopped as COVID-19 cases surging: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata/IBNS: After Odisha extended the anti-Novel Coronavirus lockdown till Apr 30, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday hinted at continuing the shutdown amid the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.
Holding a meeting with the representatives of the business community, Banerjee at state headquarters Nabanna said, "Lockdown can't be stopped now because the COVID-19 cases are increasing. The coming few weeks are crucial. Nothing is more important than people's lives. Despite a lot of problems, we have to bear it."
"We will support any decision which will be taken by the central government on lockdown," she said later in the meeting.
However, Banerjee on Thursday announced a few relaxations in some sectors.
Tea gardens in north Bengal will open partially with a reduced workforce. Only 15 per cent of workers will be allowed for tea plucking at a time.
She said taxi stands will be formed for emergency services. "Only four people including the driver will be allowed to board a taxi," she said.
The Chief Minister has also informed that 12 new cases were reported in the eastern state of India in last 24 hours.
With the new cases and the release of three cured patients, Banerjee informed that the active cases in West Bengal now stand at 80.
The Deputy Super of North Bengal Medical College and the Super of Howrah District Hospital have tested positive for Covid-19, sources in the state health department said on Thursday.
Both the government hospitals have records of treating Coronavirus infected patients.
Besides a nurse of North Bengal Medical College, who was engaged in treating COVID-19 patient, has also tested Coronavirus positive and she is undergoing treatment in private hospital in Siliguri.
Though the Centre was not keen to extend the 21-day lockdown which began on Mar 25, at least six states have urged the union government to increase the lockdown period to save people's lives amid the COVID-19 threat.
Maintaining suspense, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a meeting with all the Chief Ministers on Saturday to take a call on the extension of the lockdown.
The nationwide lockdown, which was called by Modi to stem the spread of Coronavirus, is due to end on Apr 14 midnight.
(Image Credit: IBNS File)
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