Coronavirus scare: Surveillance system in place along Bangladesh border in West Bengal

West Bengal health department, in wake of growing coronavirus threat, has put in place a surveillance mechanism in Hili, Petrapole and Gede areas along India-Banglesh border, a senior official said.

People entering country from Banglesh would be screened at se important checkpoints, as some among m might have visited China in recent past, he said. "We need to keep an eye on those entering India through se borders. Among m, re could be some who have recently travelled to China. We must conduct a medical test on m, before allowing m entry," official said.

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Ajay Chakraborty, director of health services, h a few days ago visited bordering areas to oversee medical facilities available re. state health department h last month initiated similar measures in Mirik, Pashupati market and Panitanki vill along India-Nepal border. Nepal confirmed its first case of coronavirus a week ago.

On Friday, surveillance was also heightened in Tangra area - city's China Town. "People in Tangra have relatives in China. If someone happened to have visited China recently, authorities at city airport must have screened m. We are, however, conducting ar survey to be absolutely sure," ar senior official at state health department said.

state government has also decided to set up isolation wards at seven medical establishments, besides Beliaghata ID hospital, where precautionary measures are alrey in place. "se medical establishments have been directed to appoint one dal officer to look after preparations, and take a quick decision in case a coronavirus case is reported," he said, ding that all hospitals have been asked to keep equate number of gloves and face masks in store.

Bengal government has also launched two helpline numbers - (033) 23412600 and 1800313444222 - for people seeking help and information on respiratory illness. " call centre numbers would be active 24x7. Doctors will be available to vice callers on steps that should be taken and tests that need to be conducted if someone complains of coronavirus symptoms," official ded.

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