Covid-19 in Kolkata: 22 Dum Dum wards now on high-risk list

KOLKATA: With the number of cases showing no signs of a downturn, Dum Dum Municipality has decided to declare all 22 wards as containment zones. South Dum Dum Municipality, which also has several troubled spots, has also intensified vigil along Jessore Road and Dum Dum Road.
In both the municipalities, more than 200 people are reportedly undergoing Covid-19 treatment at present. The municipal authorities, however, are concerned about asymptomatic cases that are yet to be reported. “During the fresh lockdown, we have witnessed the doubling rate has improved. We are carrying out the government’s order to extend the containment zone approach till July 19. It should help us in improving the doubling rate further,” said Barun Natta, member of the board of administrators of Dum Dum Municipality.
Locals, despite facing troubles, have come out to support the decision. Biplab Mukherjee, a resident of Bosepara, said : “There is no way to stop the virus spread other than declaring containment zones.” Residents of Ananda, a housing society near Mrinalini Cinema Hall, have approached the developer to allocate an empty flat for people who need isolation.
South Dum Dum Municipality has kept its office at Nagerbazar after a few cases were reported. At least seven wards along Dum Dum Road, from Motijhil to Dum Dum station, have been declared a containment zone. Seven more wards between Nagerbazar and Bangur have also been partially contained. “Nehru Colony, Shastri Colony, portions of Ward 3 have also been contained,” said Prabir Pal, member of the board of administrators of the municipality. “There are pockets like wards 34, 35, 32 and 30 where number of Covid-19 patients is higher,” Pal added.