Govt decides to extend closure of schools, colleges till April 15 as Rabindra Tirtha & Nazrul Tirtha close gates

Kolkata: In a bid to check spread of COVID-19, the state government has decided to extend holidays in educational institutions till April 15. However, the board examinations will take place as per the schedule.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday held a high-level meeting in this

connection. "Earlier it was decided to keep educational institutions closed till March 31. But case studies are showing that the number of affected people went up in various countries in the fourth and fifth week. So now the decision has been taken to keep the schools and colleges closed till April 15 as a precautionary measure," she said.

She further said that the ICDS centres will also remain closed till April 15. Many children turn up to the ICDS centres every day and they get nutritious food there. "So we have decided to send packets containing rice and potatoes weighing 2 kg each to beneficiaries at their houses," Banerjee added.

She further urged the concerned authorities to declare leave in hostels as well, so that the boarders can return home as a precautionary measure.

The state government has so far received 5,000 calls, seeking advice on the disease. Fifty nine people were diagnosed and none apart from one was found positive. Report of one person is yet to come. In Bengal, 3.24 lakh people have been screened so far and 5,590 people are still under regular monitoring by doctors.

Banerjee has also urged people not to panic unnecessarily and to take all necessary precautionary measures. She urged people to visit NICED and SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for swab test. Banerjee has also urged the Centre to support in setting up more test centres here.

The Chief Minister said that it is not possible to close markets as it would lead to scarcity of food in the state. However, all necessary precautions need to be taken in shopping malls and markets.

She also urged concerned authorities to take necessary precautions for those who work in sectors including tea gardens and leather goods manufacturing units.

Rabindra Tirtha, Nazrul Tirtha, Mother's Wax Museum, Biswa Bangla Convention Centre and viewing gallery of Biswa Bangla gate will also remain closed till March 31. KMC-maintained swimming pools will also remain closed till further notice.