At least three north Bengal districts have reported a surge in Covid-19 cases during the past one-week, a trend that has been dubbed as an “after effect of Durga Puja” by doctors of the region.

Ahead of Durga Puja, doctors and others associated with healthcare had anticipated that coronavirus cases might rise after the festivities if people do not adhere to the health safety protocols.

After the Puja days, the district health department had come across some data that indicated a surge because there had been overcrowding in the marketplaces.

“We had pointed it earlier that it would take a couple of weeks after the Puja to know the extent of infection.

It is unfortunate but our apprehensions have proved to be correct. In the past seven days, over 1,000 new cases have been reported in Darjeeling district which is nothing but an after effect of Durga Puja,” said Sushanta Roy, the officer on special duty deputed in north Bengal for Covid-19.

Similar is the situation in Jalpaiguri and Malda districts, where over 100 new cases were reported in most days the last week.

As per the data available with the state health department, 12,980 cases — highest in north Bengal — have been reported in Darjeeling district till November 10. Also, Malda and Jalpaiguri recorded 10,565 and 10,245 cases, respectively.

“Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations are ahead and if people still remain lackadaisical, Covid-19 cases would surge further from the end of this month,” said Roy.

According to sources, the state health department has decided to open a dedicated Covid hospital at the North Bengal Medical College & Hospital located on the outskirts of Siliguri.

“The NBMCH has a new building on the campus which is isolated from other buildings. We have space for around 130 beds in that building. We are also planning to set up around 16 critical care units (CCUs) at the facility. We are working on the proposal and will launch the hospital after receiving approval from the state,” said an official of the district health department.

Also, the distinct health department has decided to conduct tests of all shop owners and their employees across Siliguri on a regular basis to ensure that the contagion does not spread in marketplaces.

“The shop owners and their employees deal with hundreds of people every day. That is why, after every seven to 10 days, their tests will be conducted. This would help us segregate those tested positive and those visiting shops will be sure that there is little risk of contamination from the shop keepers or their staff,” the official added.