Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday suggested that those who can afford could go for home isolation as it is not possible to provide quarantine facilities to all because the State’s resources are limited. She advised that those economically well off and have better lodging facilities can go for home isolation for lessening the pressure on the Government. 

Banerjee also felt that such persons could be treated through telemedicine at home in consultation with doctors and the health department will give all help in this regard. 

According to Dr Kunal Sarkar, eminent heart specialist, telemedicine practice already exists abroad. However, what is important in India is to ensure the level of awareness in the family regarding the observance of isolation protocol and feedback about the patient and whether there are signs of infection from him or her in others in the family during the isolation period. 

Monitoring through apps is now a reality, Dr Sarkar added and felt that the suggestion was good. Earlier, CM Banerjee had stated, “We have taken a decision, that if a person is tested positive for COVID-19 and he has provided to isolate himself at his residence, the person can home quarantine himself. Lakhs and lakhs can’t be quarantined; the Government has its limit”. 

A State Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 has been formed. The CM expected that Centre would extend the lockdown till May 21 from the indication given by the PM in his interaction with the CMs today. The CM the present rules regarding the lockdown will continue as usual. The State Government is not in favour of opening the international border, international and domestic flights, long-distance trains and inter-State movement of people, she added. The State Government today announced relaxation for home delivery of some non-essential goods like electronic gadgets. 

As of Tuesday morning, West Bengal has a total of almost 700 cases of coronavirus, out of which 20 have died.