Avoid panic, says CM; schools shut till March 31, board exams on time

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged people of the state to take necessary precautions to check the spread of COVID-19 instead of getting panicked.

Banerjee, during an interview to a vernacular channel, said: "The state government has directed all educational institutions to remain shut till March 31 as a precautionary measure following advisories from the concerned authorities. But I would say that there is no problem yet in Bengal and people should not panic unnecessarily. Instead, they should be careful and take necessary measures and consult doctors in case of fever and breathlessness."

The state government issued a Press statement on Saturday stating "...it has been decided that all government, government-aided, private educational institutions — schools, colleges, universities, madrasahs, Shishu Shiksha Kendra (SSKs) and Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras (MSKs) will remain closed from March 16 to 31 in the public interest."

It has been further stated that "the internal examinations of these institutions will also remain suspended during the said duration. However, the board examinations would be held as per schedule."

In this connection, the Chief Minister said: "A huge gathering takes place in a school and moreover children are not that matured to take up necessary precautionary steps when they are in school. So the decision has been taken. I would also urge the private ones to follow the same. We will review the situation on March 30 to take further decision." Banerjee also urged teachers to work from home and to cover up the syllabus later.

She further stated that the Centre has sent a notice stating it is a 'notified disaster'.

"Assessing the present situation in the state, we have not issued the same here. But it doesn't take much time for the situation to turn worse. So all our doctors are ready and the state government is taking all necessary measures to combat the situation."

"I will urge people not to hesitate from visiting hospitals if suffering from fever and breathlessness," Banerjee said adding that two buildings have also been identified at Rajarhat where 300 to 400-bed isolation wards will be made operational. Steps are also being taken to set up the same in the districts.

Stating that people cannot avoid going to markets, Banerjee requested members of the market regulatory committees to ensure that the areas remain clean.

In connection with the ongoing session of the state Assembly, the Chief Minister said: "The decision will be taken by the Speaker in this regard. I would like to mention that the space in the state Assembly is short compared to that of the turnout that takes place."

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Saturday took stock of the situation in Bengal through a video conference with state Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha, Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Principal Secretary of the Health department Vivek Kumar and Director General of Police Virendra.

Meanwhile, Victoria Memorial Hall will remain shut till further notice while access to Science City and Indian Museum has also been restricted till March 31.