Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla on Thursday held a video-conference with officials from states that have international borders, including Bengal, to assess the preparedness at checkposts to screen for the coronavirus infection those entering India.

Bhalla directed the states to coordinate with border forces like the SSB and the BSF on the screening and also keep isolation wards ready at nearby hospitals and set up quarantine camps.

“The Centre wanted to take stock of the preparedness on the ground. The way the coronavirus has spread across the world, we have to be extra cautious,” an official said.

Bengal shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, and required infrastructure has been put in place at all checkposts.

“The SSB and the BSF are screening those entering the country. If anybody is suspected to be infected, he or she should be kept in the isolation wards near the checkposts. None of those entering through the Bengal checkposts has had to be quarantined,” a health official said.

Fifteen persons have over the past few days been admitted to the isolation wards of Beliaghata ID Hospital, but none of them has tested positive.

Sources said the health department was worried about the possibility of large gatherings at Basant Utsav in Santiniketan, but no ban has been planned yet.

Sikkim bar

The Sikkim government has decided to halt the entry of foreigners in view of the global coronavirus outbreak. Tourist permits might also not be issued for trips to Nathu-la.