The number of daily new Covid cases has dropped significantly in Kolkata and is approaching the early December levels.
As various sectors of the economy are opening up, the numbers might rise again. But public health experts and doctors said the way ahead was to live with Covid, with adequate precautions.
Kolkata recorded 179 new Covid cases on Monday, down from 7,484 on January 7.
On December 10, Kolkata had reported 206 cases (see chart).
“We have to get back to our normal routine. We have to learn to live with Covid. We should still wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated should take the shot. All Covid protocols should be followed for another six months at least,” said Abhijit Chowdhury, a public health expert and member of the state government’s Covid task force.
“We cannot perpetually stay in lockdown mode. We have to work normally but with precautions.”
The state government on Monday lifted or relaxed restrictions on several sectors. Schools and colleges have been allowed to reopen for in-person classes from February 3. Night curfew will kick in from 11pm, instead of 10pm, from Tuesday.
Chandramouli Bhattacharya, an infectious diseases specialist at Peerless Hospital, said it was now upon individuals to adhere to the Covid protocol.
“The government has to think about the economy and everything has to get running. However, all of us should still remain cautious. We must avoid unnecessary gatherings,” he said.
People should not drop the guard till everyone is vaccinated.
The drop in number of daily cases has prompted private hospitals to reduce the number of Covid beds.
The RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences has reduced its Covid bed count by 40.
“We had 150 beds (for Covid patients). Last week, we cut it to 110. We have 55 Covid patients in hospital today.
Ten days ago, there were 110,” said R. Venkatesh, regional director, Narayana Health, which runs the RN Tagore hospital.
Peerless Hospital had 42 Covid patients on Monday, compared with 80 patients 10 days ago. The hospital has reduced the number of Covid beds from 140 to 95.
“If there is no increase in admission in the next few days, we may further reduce Covid beds,” said Sudipta Mitra, chief exec-utive officer of Peerless Hospital.
Victoria Memorial, museum reopening
The Victoria Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, Science City and Birla Industrial and Technological Museum will reopen after a month on Tuesday following the state government order on relaxation of Covid norms.
The Victoria Memorial garden will be open from 6am to 6pm and the museum from 10am to 6pm. The light-and-sound show will resume, too, and will be held from 6.30pm every day except Mondays, said Memorial curator Jayanta Sengupta. The Indian Museum will be open from 10am to 6pm.
