Political parties urged to spread coronavirus awareness - 7 dies

SNS , SILIGURI,  22 APRIL 21 : The medical fraternity and voluntary organisations fighting against COVi d-19 have requested political parties to engage partymen in spreading awareness among the people.

"Many people face the brunt in the entire election process in terms of getting infected with Covid-19. It played a significant role in the surge of Covid-19 cases. The way the youths had been engaged in election programmes, we are requesting all political parties to engage their workforce to generate awareness on the importance on adhering to Covid-19 protocols. Only making statements on awareness is not enough. lt is the need of the hour that they shoulder their responsibilities towards the people," said Animesh Bose the convener of Siliguri Fights Corona, a consortium of several social organisations.

Mr Bose said it might have an impact on the fight against Covid- 19, as the parties function in an organised manner.

The coordinator of the Siliguri chapter of the Covid Care Network and dean of student affairs at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) Dr Sandip Sengupta said the rate of virus spread in the second wave is much more than in the first and that people should be prepared for a third wave too.

According to them, beds in hospitals could fall short if the cases rise further. "Therefore, if the cases continue to rise at this pace, Covid beds at both government-run and private health facilities might be inadequate. Many hospitals in the country are running out of oxygen, as the requirement became high. Though there is no problem with oxygen availability here, we do not know if the situation will arise here also," Dr Sengupta said.

Covid patients die

Seven persons who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in Siliguri in the past 24 hours. Among them, four persons died at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, sources said. A 43-year-old resident of East Vivekananda Palli Siliguri died today

The others, a 53-year-old woman from Darjeeling had been admitted in the NBMCH yesterday, a 70-year-old resident of Malbazaar had been admitted on 20 April. The deaths also included a 55 year-old resident of Alipurduar district.A 67-year-oldwoman from Malbazaar had been admitted in a private nursing home at Pradhan nagar on 13 April and she died there today. A 69-year-old resident of Jailpaiguri also died there.

A 66-year-old woman of Islampur was admitted with kidney ailments in another private nursing home in the town on 15 April. She died there last night.

Meanwhile, 199 cases were recorded in Darjeeling district in the past 24 hours. The Siliguri Municipal Corporation, including areas under Jalpaiguri district, recorded 167 cases. A total of 45 cases were found in Naxalbari Block, 13 in Matigara, five each in Phansidewa and Sukna, four cases in Darjeeling Municipality, and one each in Kurseong Municipality and Bijanbari, sources said.