Gangasagar, Dec 30 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed concern over the rapid spread of Coronavirus variant Omicron but said she is not in favour of
stopping everything now without reviewing the situation.
Speaking to reports at Gangasagar before returning to Kolkata, Banerjee said the way the new
form of corona Omicron was spreading was a matter of concern.
She said Coronavirus had brought the economy to a standstill. But the government would decide
on the next course of action only after reviewing the situation.
There are fears that the Coronavirus infection could go up further in the state as people are likely
to take to the streets in huge numbers at the time of the New Year.
In this context, the Chief Minister said, "How can I stop the New Year celebrations? However, we
are keeping an eye on the situation.”
The Chief Minister advised the general public to be aware.
"I urge everyone to abide by the Covid rules," he said, referring to the Gangasagar fair.
“Please do not spread tension. This is my request to you with folded hands. I am seeking positive cooperation from the media,” the chief minister said.
“The infection has increased a bit. We will request you to follow the rules of hygiene. Wear a mask and be careful about sanitisation. We will review the whole situation from time to time,” Banerjee said.
Meanwhile, West Bengal on Thursday recorded 2,128 new Covid-19 cases over the last 24 hours, the tally almost doubling from the figure reported on Wednesday.
The tally over the last 24 hours also represents the biggest single-day rise in cases over the
past one week.
The state also reported five new Omicron cases on Wednesday, taking the state’s overall tally of
the new Covid variant to 11.
Amid reports of rising Omicron cases globally as well as within the country, the state government on Thursday announced the suspension of all direct flights coming from the UK with effect from January 3.
"Flights from the UK, which is an at-risk country as notified by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, will not be allowed in the state and any no-objection certificate which
has been issued stand withdrawn," a state government letter to the ministry of civil aviation, said.
"Further with effect from January 3, 2022 all passengers coming from other non-at-risk countries by international flights to West Bengal, will have to mandatorily undergo a test on arrival at their cost.”
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