Can't impose COVID curbs everywhere as it may affect economy: Mamata

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday stated that Coronavirus-related restrictions cannot be imposed everywhere as the curbs may impact the economy. 

Mamata Banerjee visited the Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district where the annual Ganga Sagar Mela will begin next month. She hit out at Centre over the issue of holding the event, saying “they should think of Kumbh Mela”.

“They (Union government) are only worried about Ganga Sagar, they should think of Kumbh Mela. We can’t stop people coming to Ganga Sagar Mela from UP, Bihar and other parts of the country. Those who come here will follow COVID-19 protocols”: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

She also mentioned that the COVID-19 cases in Kolkata were rising as it was a transit point for people travelling on trains and flights.

“Most omicron cases are being detected among people coming on flights from the UK. It’s a fact that the omicron carriers are coming via international flights. The Centre must decide on imposing restrictions on 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 was reviewing the emerging pandemic situation “seriously” and hinted that a decision will be taken regarding COVID-induced restrictions while taking the economy into account.

“We have to look after the safety and security of the people. We will soon make a decision. We will target places where the cases are going up. We cannot impose restrictions everywhere because that may affect the economy as it has in the last two years,” she said.

The remarks come as West Bengal on Wednesday recorded a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases with 1,089 infections, Kolkata alone reported 540 new cases.

“COVID-19 cases in Kolkata are rising because it is the transit point for people travelling on trains and flights. I will request everyone to follow COVID guidelines and wear masks,” Mamata Banerjee said as she boarded a helicopter for Kolkata.

The West Bengal Chief Minister was on a three-day tour of the Sagar island to review the preparedness for the religious congregation to take place at Ganga Sagar Mela, PTI reported.