Covid cases cross 800 in Bengal after months

Calcutta reported 244 new infections and North 24-Parganas 129, the only 2 of the state’s 23 districts with a 3-digit figure of new cases in a day

In all, active cases rose by 63 on Wednesday to 7,491.

Meghdeep Bhattacharyya   |   TT  |  Calcutta   |   21.10.21: Bengal on Wednesday reported 867 new Covid-19 infections, above 800 in a day for the first time
since July 25.

The state also reported 795 recoveries and nine deaths.

In all, active cases rose by 63 on Wednesday to 7,491.

A minister said the new infections reported now are indicative of people who got infected between October 11 to 15 (Sashthi to Vijaya Dashami). “We are seeing the worst of the spike from the puja revelry and allied disregard for safety. It is unlikely to deteriorate drastically from this stage,” he said.

Calcutta reported 244 new infections and North 24-Parganas 129, the only two of the state’s 23 districts with a three-digit figure of new cases in a day. Seven districts reported a single-digit figure. Eighteen districts reported zero deaths on Wednesday. Calcutta reported two deaths and North 24-Parganas three.

“Calcutta and North 24-Parganas witnessed the most indiscipline in terms of Covid-19 protocols before and during Puja, so it’s no surprise that the sharpest spike would be found in these districts,” said the minister.

The state’s recovery rate is 98.33 per cent, while the national rate is 98.13 now.

The daily positive confirmation rate, which was nearly 33 per cent at the peak of the second wave, was 2.43 per cent on Wednesday.

The state’s mortality rate is 1.2 per cent, while that of the nation is 1.33 per cent.

Bengal now has nearly 15.83 lakh Covid-19 cases, since the first was logged in March last year. The total includes over 15.56 lakh recoveries and 19,007 deaths.