Officials of the health department have expressed concern over the steady rise in Covid-19 cases across north Bengal in recent weeks.

As voting for Assembly elections in the region will start from April 10, health officials are appealing to all political parties to maintain strict Covid protocol in political events and pointing out that their requests are going unheard.

“Most political leaders are least bothered about wearing masks while sharing the dais. Also, most people attending the public meetings are equally irresponsible. They are ignoring safety guidelines of the state health department to help prevent infection,” Susanta Roy, the state-appointed officer on special duty (OSD) for Covid-19 in north Bengal, told newspersons in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday.

Sources in the state health department said detailed reports of the number of Covid-19 cases, which have been reported from March 23 to April 4, have been collected from all the districts of north Bengal that spanned.

The highest number of cases, 175, has been reported from Malda, followed by 174 from Darjeeling. Also, 101 cases have been reported in North Dinajpur district.

“The number of cases is comparatively lower in other districts but it is evident that cases are on the rise,” said an official.

OSD Roy appeared perturbed. “After the Covid cases declined, we had released the private health establishments that we had taken over for Covid patients. As of now, 706 beds are available for Covid patients at government hospitals of north Bengal. The data we have received has put us on alert as public meetings, rallies and other activities will continue throughout this month. If Covid cases go up, it will be tough to provide hospital accommodation to patients,” he said.