239 new Covid cases in Darj district : NBU teacher passes away

SNS,  SILIGURI, 20 APRIL 21 : Darjeeling district recorded the highest number of Covid19 cases for the second wave, with 239 new cases found in the past 24 hours.

The rising number of cases has triggered concerns.

Areas under the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, including those falling in Jalpaiguri district, registered 138 cases, sources said.

A total of 60 cases have been reported in Naxalbari Block. 27 in Matigara, 10 cases in Sukna, nine in Phansidewa, five in Kharibari, four in Kurseong Municipality, three in Darjeeling Municipality, one in Sukhia Pokhari and three cases in Mirik sub-division.

Meanwhile two Siliguri residents, who had tested positive for the virus, died at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH).The deceased have been identified as a 63 -year-old resident of Subhas Pally and a 50- year-woman from Jyoti Nagar.

"The figure is the highest single-day count since the beginning of the second Covid-19 wave. We believe the cases will continue to rise in the coming days. Perhaps, the worst is yet to come, said a health department official.

Public health experts have expressed concerns that the existing healthcare infrastructure is understaffed and not enough to be able to deliver the levels of critical care that is required in managing patients with severe Covid 19.

SILIGURI 20 APRIL 21:A teacher at the North Bengal University and joint secretary of the Darjeeling district committee and the state secretariat member of the West Bengal Democratic Writers Artists Association, Mahbub Ul Alam, passed away in Kolkata today.

The 60 year old Alam had been tested positive for Covid-19. following a colon surgery. His colleagues and students have expressed deep condolences over his demise. Cultural activists recalled his active role in the cultural and literary movement.