New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that coronavirus-related restrictions cannot be imposed everywhere as restrictions may affect the economy.
Mamata Banerjee visited Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district where the annual Ganga Sagar Mela will begin next month. Hitting out at the Center over the issue of organizing the event, he said, “they should think about the Kumbh Mela”.
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“They (central government) are only concerned about Ganga Sagar, they should think about the Kumbh Mela. We cannot stop people coming to Ganga Sagar Mela from UP, Bihar and other parts of the country. Those who come here will follow the COVID-19 protocol”: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as quoted by news agency ANI.
She also mentioned that the COVID-19 cases were increasing in Kolkata as it was a transit point for people traveling in trains and flights.
“Most of the Omicron cases are being traced to people arriving on flights from the UK. It is true that Omicron carriers are arriving by international flights. The Center should decide to ban flights from countries where omicron cases are high,” she said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
The West Bengal chief minister stressed that her government is “seriously” reviewing the emerging pandemic situation and indicated that a decision regarding COVID-induced restrictions would be taken keeping the economy in mind.
“We have to take care of the safety and security of the people. We will take a decision soon. We will target those places where cases are increasing. We cannot impose restrictions everywhere as it may affect the economy as it has happened in the last two years.
The comments came as West Bengal recorded a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases with 1,089 infections on Wednesday, with Kolkata alone reporting 540 new cases.
“COVID-19 cases are increasing in Kolkata as it is the transit point for people traveling in trains and flights. I would request everyone to follow the COVID guidelines and wear masks,” said Mamata Banerjee while boarding a helicopter for Kolkata.
West Bengal Chief Minister Ganga Sagar was on a three-day visit to Sagar Island to review the preparations for the religious congregation at the fair.
(with agency input)
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