Bidhannagar Municipality gears up for rapid testing

Kolkata: Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is getting prepared assuming that instruction for conducting rapid tests across its

jurisdiction will be given out soon.

BMC is already conducting awareness through announcements, urging people not to come out of their houses. Also, each of the councillors of BMC has been given disinfectant spraying machines and has been asked to sanitise their areas regularly, especially the markets.

"We are doing as much as possible for the people amid the pandemic situation. The conservancy workers have been given PPE kits. Other arrangements have been made to feed the needy people," said Krishna Chakraborty, Mayor of BMC.

According to sources, a task force which was set up immediately after the lockdown started is working across its jurisdiction to check the spread of COVID-19. The task force members are in regular touch with the BMC officials and are conducting periodical meetings.

As rapid tests to detect COVID-19 affected persons have started at the Belgachia slum area by Kolkata Municipal Corporation, BMC officials assume that state Health department may soon ask them to conduct rapid tests as well.

In order to be prepared for the same, the matter will be discussed on Wednesday in a meeting.

On Monday, Chakraborty stated that if the state Health department asks BMC to conduct rapid tests, it will be done accordingly. Member Mayor in Council (MMiC), Health, of BMC, Pranay Ray on Monday stated that there is high chance of receiving such an order and for that they are getting prepared.

"We will discuss on how the rapid tests will be done if any such order comes. We will be prepared to avoid waste of time after the order comes," said Ray.