Community spread of Covid seen in Bengal, CM Mamta Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that community transmission of Covid-19 has started in the state. Speaking to media after a cabinet meeting in Kolkata on Monday, Mamata Banerjee said that instances of coronavirus becoming airborne and community spread have been reported in West Bengal. She also asked people of the state to maintain caution ahead of the upcoming Puja season. "I cannot ask people to not to go out but I request you all to not to go out shopping...many go out during this time for Puja celebrations," she said. Mamata Banerjee also advised people to wear thick masks when they visit Durga Puja pandals in the state.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay said measures are being taken bring down the cost of coronavirus tests and treatment. West Bengal govt had issued a notification asking Durga Puja committees to follow Covid-19 safety protocols and set up open pandals where visitors cannot enter without masks.Entering a marquee without mask and hand sanitiser will not be allowed and Cultural programmes in or near the puja pandal premises are not allowed, according to the notification. On Sunday, West Bengal recording its highest single-day spike of 3,612 Covid-19 cases, taking the state's total tally to 2,94,806. The Covid-19 death toll in the state has reached 5,622.