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West Bengal has reported its first coronavirus case after a man who returned from the United Kingdom tested positive for COVID-19. The man was admitted to Beleghata ID Hospital after he showed symptoms of Covid-19. Medical examinations revealed that the person had contracted novel coronavirus, officials said. Earlier on Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state government has invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, in order to ensure strict quarantine of persons suspected of novel coronavirus infection. The decision was taken after a high-level review meeting at the state secretariat. The state government also announced the extension of its shutdown order for educational institutions from March 31 to April 15.
West Bengal government has also announced the creation of a separate fund of Rs 200 crore for fighting emerging public healthcare challenges due to coronavirus. The fund will be used to purchase protective gear used by the medical staff and upgrade the medical infrastructure to tackle the pandemic.
According to the latest update from the Health Ministry, 137 cases of Coronavirus have been reported in India so far. Meanwhile, the ICMR, the government's apex research body has recommended that private hospitals should offer COVID-19 test for free. Currently, the cost of the first step screening is Rs 1,500 and additional confirmatory test is Rs 3,000.
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