Malda stares at total lockdown from tomorrow

Malda: A total lockdown is likely to be clamped in Malda from Wednesday after a partial shutdown, imposed in the district last week, failed to contain infections.
As many as 36 people tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, taking the number of patients to 853. Blocks such as English Bazaar, Kaliachak and Old Malda top the infection list while four persons have already died in the district.
Among the new cases, 12 are from English Bazaar Municipality area. A sweeper has contracted Covid and more infections in his colony are not ruled out. A doctor of Ward 14 has also tested positive. A small market near his house was shut down on Monday morning.
An afternoon emergency meeting attended by health officials, people’s representatives, bus owners and traders decided that non-essential commodities would not be sold for seven days from Wednesday and markets would be shut by 2pm. No public transport or gathering will be allowed in municipal areas. Liquor shops will remain closed.
The decisions will need approval of the state government and a public announcement is likely on Tuesday. English Bazaar MLA Nihar Ghosh said: “We have taken the decisions fearing community spread of the virus and after consulting the health department. The list of decisions has been sent to the state for approval.”
Positive cases in Malda currently include policemen, doctors, administrative workers, traders and political leaders. Two reputable private hospitals had to be shut down recently after some of their staff tested positive. One of the hospitals, however, reopened on Monday.
Last week, zilla parishad member Sarala Murmu was found positive and advised home quarantine. Since she had attended a meeting with district TMC leaders before the report came, the entire district leadership had to follow suit. All samples were collected and at least five other zilla parishad members have tested positive.