West Bengal recorded 26 new Covid-19 cases Sunday, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 622. The highest number of active cases in Kerala has been recorded Kerala, with 1,806 cases. This is followed by Gujarat, with 717 active cases, and Delhi, which has 665 active cases.
According to sources from the health department, two infants, a three-month-old and a one-year-old, have been admitted to a private hospital on Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. The babies were brought in for check-ups due to high fever, cough, and cold symptoms. Suspecting Covid-19, the doctor conducted tests, which returned positive results, leading to their admission to the hospital.
Counters for Covid testing have been opened at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Sources in the health department have reported that a report has been sent to the Centre detailing the actions taken by the state, the number of patients currently admitted to the hospital, and their present conditions.
At the beginning of May, Kolkata had only one Covid-19 case. However, by the end of the month, there was a rapid increase in the number of cases. There has also been one death in the state due to the virus.
According to sources in the hospitals, although the Covid symptoms are mild, the rising number of cases has led hospitals to increase the number of Covid beds in private facilities.
While the health department has not yet issued any health advisory, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to raise awareness about the importance of taking precautionary measures.
The KMC is set to display banners in all its health units across the city, encouraging people to wash their hands, wear masks, and maintain social distancing. Health workers in every ward have been instructed to gather information on Covid-19 symptoms in addition to their regular data collection related to malaria and dengue.
They have also been advised to isolate any individuals exhibiting influenza-like symptoms or severe acute respiratory symptoms (SARI). With the rise in Covid-19 cases and heightened surveillance, health department sources report that two isolation wards have been prepared at ID Hospital in anticipation of a potential increase in cases.