Kurseong `Haat Bazaar' shuts for now - temporary arrangement until the Covid-19 situation gets better

SNS, KURSEONG. 29 APRIL 21 : A 74-year-old resident of Chunabhatti under the Kurseong Sub-Division died in the Kurseong Sub-Divisional hospital in Darjeelingl Hills today. He had been tested positive for Covid -19 and undergoing  treatment in the hospital since yesterday morning, sources said.

Also today, the weekly Haat Bazaar remained shut in Kurseong town.

Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent at the Kurseong Sub-Dblisional Hospital, Krishna Ghosh, said that they have arranged for an 18-bed Covid ward (nine male and nine female), on the premises of the hospital from yesterday.

He also said that they have not been able to vaccinate people since yesterday, given the shortage of the vaccine doses. "We will resume the vaccination drive in the hospitaI as soon as fresh vaccine does arrives," Dr Ghosh said.

On the other hand, the Kurseong Municipality chairman had announced yesterday that they would not allow the Thursday Haat (weekly market) in the Kurseong Municipality area from today in view of the rising coronavirus cases and to stop the further spread of the virus.

Kurseong Municipality chairman Krishna Limboo said both buyers and sellers visit the Haat from different nearby places, including the plains in Siliguri.

"Hence, as a precautionary measure and to stop the possible spread of coronavirus, we have decided to close the weekly market from today," Mr Limboo said.

"The market will not be closed forever. It is only a temporary arrangement until the Covid- 19 situation gets better," he added.