Mamata Banerjee holds meet on COVID preparedness, says there is no reason to panic
Amid spike in COVID-19 cases, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting on preparedness of the State on Monday (June 9, 2025).
While stressing that there was nothing to panic about, the Chief Minister asked authorities to keep infrastructure updated to ensure immediate response in case of emergencies.
West Bengal reported 747 active cases, among the highest in the country at the moment. Ms. Banerjee has taken note of the situation and asked officials to maintain vigilance.
'Whoever is responsible for handling this disease, including rural and urban healthcare workers, corporation, health department, police, we called everyone and did a COVID preparedness meeting,' Ms. Banerjee said.
'Do not cause panic, but we need to stay alert, in case there is any abnormal spike, we will stay prepared. People who have co-morbidities need to take more care and seek medical help,' Ms. Banerjee, who also heads the Health Ministry in the State, added.
The Chief Minister also urged people to visit government hospitals to treat COVID-19 so that no one incurs extra expenses. She said that medical needs of affected persons will be taken care of at public health facilities.
Similar sentiments were echoed by medical professionals from the State.
Dr. Sujan Bardhan, Consultant (Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases), Narayana Hospital, RN Tagore Hospital Mukundapur, 'While the rise in COVID-19 cases in Bengal and the report of one death may cause concern, vigilance, not panic, is the best response. The key difference with these new strains is their speed, not their severity. Hospitals are well-prepared, and the healthcare system remains under no immediate strain. Nonetheless, the importance of basic preventive measures cannot be overstated.'
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