Fresh Covid infection surges, count crosses 2000 mark in north Bengal

The highest number of cases was found in Malda (648), followed by Darjeeling (596) and Jalpaiguri (216)

Representational image.: File photo.

TT Bureau   |   Siliguri   |  15.01.22 : The number of fresh Covid 19 cases has crossed the two-thousand mark in north Bengal during the past 24 hours, said the daily bulletin issued by the state health department on Friday.

According to the bulletin, 2,199 new cases have been reported in the region, with the highest number of cases being found in Malda district (648), followed by Darjeeling (596) and Jalpaiguri (216).

“In Malda, the positivity rate was around 60 per cent as out of the 1,000 samples tested in the past 24 hours, 648 have been tested positive. However, most of these patients are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms,” said a district health official in Malda.

The rise in fresh cases has also increased in the number of active patients, which according to state’s data, is close to 9,000 (8,960) in the region.

“In Malda, there are over 3,000 active patients now while in Darjeeling district, the figure is above 2,500. Also, in Jalpaiguri, the number of active patients has crossed the 1,000 mark,” said a source.

During the past 24 hours, 560 patients have been tested negative in different districts of north Bengal and in Malda district alone, 175 people, who had got infected with the contagion, have been tested negative while two patients have died during this period. 

“This is obviously a relief for people who are associated with healthcare. As of now, 15 patients are under treatment at the Covid ward of Malda Medical College & Hospital,” said a doctor at the hospital.

Due to the surge in Covid cases, the police and the administrative officials in the districts have started taking various initiatives to create awareness among people so that they adhere to the restrictions which have been imposed by the state.

While some are making public announcements during the rush hours, others are visiting markets and busy thoroughfares, asking people to wear masks. “There is a clear instruction from the chief minister that the police should take steps if anybody violates the restrictions. We are making arrests every day so that people do not make such violations again,” said a cop.