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2026-03-22T12:28:55Z

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{{short description|Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in West Bengal, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Update|date=September 2024 |inaccurate=y}}
{{Infobox pandemic
| nam =
| map4 =
| legend4 =
| map5 =
| legend5 =
| disease = [[COVID-19]]
| virus_strain = [[SARS-CoV-2]]
| location = [[West Bengal, India]]
| first_case = [[Kolkata]]
| arrival_date = 18 March 2020<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=03|day1=18|year1=2020|month2=|day2=|year2=}})
| date = 1 November 2021
| origin = [[Wuhan]], Hubei, [[China]]
| confirmed_cases = 16,05,794
| active_cases = 8,027
| recovery_cases = 15,78,434
| deaths = 19,333
| fatality_rate = 1.20%
| territories = All 23 districts
| website = {{URL|www.wbhealth.gov.in}}
}}

[[File:Kumar h.jpg|thumb|Panning of vegetable seller's alternative transportation in [[Sonarpur]] due to COVID-19 pandemic in West Bengal]]

The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] was first confirmed in the Indian state of [[West Bengal]] on 17 March 2020 in [[Kolkata]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/west-bengal-reports-first-positive-case-of-coronavirus/articleshow/74680463.cms|title=West Bengal reports first positive case of coronavirus|date=2020-03-18|work=India Times}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (West Bengal)|Health and Family Welfare department]] of [[Government of West Bengal]] has confirmed a total of 13,43,442 COVID-19 positive cases, including 1,09,806 active cases, 15,120 deaths and 12,18,516 recoveries, as of 28 May 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/WB_DHFW_Bulletin_9th_MAY_REPORT_FINAL1.pdf|title=WEST BENGAL COVID-19 HEALTH BULLETIN – 9 th MAY 2021|publisher=wbhealth.gov.in|access-date=2021-05-10|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510112851/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/WB_DHFW_Bulletin_9th_MAY_REPORT_FINAL1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=West Bengal|url=https://www.covid19india.org/state/WB|access-date=26 July 2020|website=covid19india}}{{Dead link|date=February 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Timeline==

===February===

'''4 February''': A Kolkata Airport passenger was kept under hospitalization. Later he was tested negative.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Media_Bulletin_West_Bengal_04.02_.2020_(final_draft)(1)_.pdf|title=nCoV Bulletin as on 04.02.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729033318/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Media_Bulletin_West_Bengal_04.02_.2020_(final_draft)(1)_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===March===

'''17 March''': One male, aged 18 years who had returned from the UK on 15 March, was tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_17.03_.2020(1)_.pdf|title=nCoV Bulletin as on 17.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028093524/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_17.03_.2020(1)_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''20 March''': One male, aged 22 years who had returned from the UK on 13 March, was tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_20.03_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV Bulletin as on 20.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814070808/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_20.03_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''21 March''': One female, aged 23 years who had returned from Scotland on 19 March, was tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_21.03_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 21.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814071718/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_21.03_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''22 March''': One male, aged 57 years who was admitted to a private facility in North Kolkata, was tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_22.03_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 22.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120012103/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_22.03_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''23 March''': First COVID-19 death was reported as the 57-year-old male patient expired at the private facility. He was a railway employee and recently came from Bilaspur. Two males (48 years and 20 years) and one female (47 years), who were in direct contacts of a positive case, were tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_23.03_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV Bulletin as on 23.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=15 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815040950/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_23.03_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''24 March''': One 58-year-old male, who returned from Egypt and one 55-year-old female, who returned from the UK, were tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/33445566-converted_(1)1.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 24.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831173043/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/33445566-converted_(1)1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''26 March''': One male, aged 66 years who was admitted to a private facility in South Kolkata, was tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_26.03_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 26.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012174551/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_26.03_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''27 March''': One male (aged 11 years) and four females (aged 27 years, 45 years, 6 years and 9 months), all belonging to a close group of siblings and relatives, were tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_27.03_.2020(1)_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 27.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114051015/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_27.03_.2020(1)_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> They came in contact with a positive case in Delhi who came from the UK on 16 March.

'''28 March''': Two females, aged 76 years and 56 years who both were kept under quarantine for coming in direct contact with one previously COVID-19 positive case, were tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_28.03_.2020(1)_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 28.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=28 March 2020|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122201631/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_28.03_.2020(1)_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> They came in contact with their close relatives who came from the US and Singapore.

'''29 March''': One female of about 44 years who was admitted to a government hospital in [[Kalimpong district|Kalimpong]] on 28 March and had travel history to Thailand and Kerala, was found positive.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://eisamay.indiatimes.com/west-bengal-news/others/first-coronavirus-positive-case-reported-in-north-bengal-west-bengals-tally-rises-to-18/articleshow/74868094.cms|title=এ বার উত্তরবঙ্গে করোনার হানা, আক্রান্ত কালিম্পঙের মহিলা|language=bn|date=2020-03-29|work=Ei Samay|archive-date=2 December 2020|access-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202190240/https://eisamay.indiatimes.com/west-bengal-news/others/first-coronavirus-positive-case-reported-in-north-bengal-west-bengals-tally-rises-to-18/articleshow/74868094.cms|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''30 March''': The female of 44 years from Kalimpong district expired at a government hospital in [[Siliguri]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_30.03_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 30.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411104104/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_30.03_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another female of 48 years, who expired at a government hospital in Howrah with a case of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness, was later found COVID-19 positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/bul31-01042020173506.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 31.03.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028121308/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/bul31-01042020173506.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''31 March''': One male, who was aged 57 years and had Severe Acute Respiratory Illness, expired at a private facility in Howrah. He was tested positive. Total death count at the end of this month is 4.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-man-dies-in-west-bengal-toll-rises-to-4/article31222156.ece|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Man dies in West Bengal, toll rises to 4|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2020-03-31|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay}}</ref>

===April===

'''1 April''': One male, aged 57 years having [[kidney failure]] and one male, aged 50 years having [[hypertension|high blood pressure]] and other co-morbid conditions, expired early in the morning. Both of them were reportedly tested positive, which is a subject to confirmation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_01.04_.2020_.pdf|title=nCoV bulletin as on 01.04.2020|website=WB Health Portal|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901162130/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_01.04_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== July ===
'''15 July:''' Death toll reaches 1,000.

'''23 July:''' Total positive cases cross 50,000

==Testing==
=== Facilities ===
As of 22 July, the state has 56 laboratories approved by [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] for testing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/labs/Govt_Labs_28042020.pdf|title=Govt_Labs_28042020.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/labs/Pvt_Labs_28042020.pdf|title=Pvt_Labs_28042020.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The total number of testing in West Bengal is still lagging in comparison with states with similar economic stature, for example, the state of Rajasthan has conducted more than 5 lakh tests as of 08/06/2020, whereas the state of West Bengal has done around 2.6 lakh tests until this date. To date, West Bengal has the capacity of testing little more than 9000 samples in a day whereas Rajasthan has built the capacity of testing ~12000 samples per day.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

* Total Number of government hospitals treating COVID-19: 196
* Total Number of private hospitals treating COVID-19: 7

=== Statistics ===
{{Graph:Chart
| width = 1000
| type = line
| xAxisTitle=Date
| yAxisTitle=Number of samples tested
| xAxisAngle = -60
| yAxisMin = 1
| xType = date
| xGrid = 1
| yGrid = 1
| xAxisFormat = %d %b
| showSymbols=1
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| x = 2020-03-18,2020-03-19,2020-03-20,2020-03-21,2020-03-22,2020-03-23,2020-03-24,2020-03-25,2020-03-26,2020-03-27,2020-03-28,2020-03-29,2020-03-30,2020-03-31,2020-04-01,2020-04-02,2020-04-03,2020-04-04,2020-04-05,2020-04-06,2020-04-07,2020-04-08,2020-04-09,2020-04-10,2020-04-11,2020-04-12,2020-04-13,2020-04-14,2020-04-15,2020-04-16,2020-04-17,2020-04-18,2586020-04-19,2020-04-20,2020-04-21,2020-04-22,2020-04-23,2020-04-24,2020-04-25,2020-04-26,2020-04-27,2020-04-28, 2020-04-29, 2020-04-30, 2020-05-01, 2020-05-02, 2020-05-03, 2020-05-04, 2020-05-05, 2020-05-06, 2020-05-07, 2020-05-08, 2020-05-09, 2020-05-10,2020-05-19, 2020-05-23, 2020-05-24, 2020-05-28, 2020-05-29, 2020-05-30, 2020-06-05, 2021-10-04, 2021-10-24
| y1= 77,,87,107,111,128,176,242,269,330, 365,437,487,539,605,,1042,,1301,1487,1657,1889,2095,2286,2523,2793,3081, 3470,3811,4212,4630,5045,5469,6182, 7037,7990, 8933, 9880, 10893, 12043,13223, 14620, 16525, 18566, 20976, 22915, 25116, 27571, 30141, 32752, 35767, 39368, 43414, 102282, 129608, 138824, 175769, 185051, 194397, 251517, 18289876, 18928189
| y1Title=Samples tested
| colors=#2ca02c
}}

== Government Activities ==
Districts of West Bengal were classified as red, orange, or green zones, with red zones having the strictest regulations and green zones having the least strict regulations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wb.gov.in/containment-zones-in-west-bengal.aspx|title=District Wise Containment Zones by Government of West Bengal|website=West Bengal State Portal|access-date=May 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Bulletin-0428">{{cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_28.04_.2020_.pdf|title=Bulletin_West_Bengal_28.04_.2020_.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Bulletin-0429">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_29.04_.2020_.pdf|title=Bulletin_West_Bengal_29.04_.2020_.pdf|access-date=29 April 2020|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901171907/https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_29.04_.2020_.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Bulletin-0430">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/corona/Bulletin_West_Bengal_30.04_.2020_.pdf|title=Bulletin_West_Bengal_30.04_.2020_.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

'''14 March''': Government on Saturday announced that all schools, colleges and universities in the state will remain closed until 31 March, in the view of evolving situation on the spread of COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/coronavirus-west-bengal-government-closes-all-educational-institutions-till-march-31/article31068116.ece|title=Coronavirus {{!}} West Bengal government closes all educational institutions till March 31|date=2020-03-14|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

'''17 March''': State government stepped up its defence with chief minister [[Mamata Banerjee]] announcing the closure of educational institutions until 15 April. She said that even ICDS would be closed until 15 April and two kilograms of rice and potatoes would be sent to the children directly so that the meals can be cooked at home.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/bengal/kolkata-schools-remain-shut-till-15-april-cm-1502866833.html|title=Kolkata schools to remain shut till 15 April: CM|date=2020-03-17|work=The Statesman}}</ref>

'''21 March''': The government has mandated a partial work-from-home system for 7.9 crore people who get subsidized rations. The CM promised that government will give free ration to the poor until September.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/work-from-home-for-govt-staff-free-ration-for-7-9cr-poor-in-state/articleshow/74740241.cms|title=Work-from-home for government staff, free ration for 7.9 crore poor in West Bengal|date=2020-03-21|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

'''23 March''': West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced Monday that the state government is creating a Rs 200 crore fund to deal with the impact of COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/coronavirus-lockdown-what-states-are-doing-to-help-the-poor-and-unorganised-workers/388156/|title=Coronavirus lockdown: What states are doing to help the poor and unorganised workers|date=2020-03-25|work=The Print}}</ref>

'''24 March''': Entire West Bengal was brought under lock down until 31 March.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/entire-west-bengal-brought-under-lockdown-till-march-31/articleshow/74792486.cms|title=Entire West Bengal brought under lockdown till March 31|date=2020-03-24|work=India Times}}</ref>

'''25 March''': West Bengal Government converts Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, for isolation of people suspected with Coronavirus.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/health/west-bengal-converts-state-run-hospital-in-kolkata-into-covid-19-isolation-and-treatment-facility-8188681.html|title=West Bengal converts state-run hospital in Kolkata into COVID-19 isolation and treatment facility|work=Firstpost|date=2020-03-25}}</ref>

'''30 March''': West Bengal government issues order to authorities of every districts to set up temporary arrangements of shelter and food to migrants and poor.<ref name="Deccan Herald">{{Cite news|date=2020-03-30|title=Coronavirus Lockdown: West Bengal govt asks districts to set up temporary shelters for poor, migrants|work=Deccan Herald|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/coronavirus-lockdown-west-bengal-govt-asks-districts-to-set-up-temporary-shelters-for-poor-migrants-819107.html}}</ref>

==Allegations against West Bengal Government==
[[Chief Minister of West Bengal]] [[Mamata Banerjee]] and her government was widely criticised of the handling of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]] and was accused of concealing facts by the opposition and critics.<ref name="FBCOVID" >{{cite news |url =https://www.firstpost.com/india/coronavirus-outbreak-mamata-banerjee-displays-little-cooperation-even-as-opposition-unites-to-stand-behind-centre-8239541.html|quote=Again, on 2 April, while seven coronavirus deaths in the state were confirmed by its health department, the figure was soon revised to three. |title =Coronavirus Outbreak: Mamata Banerjee displays little cooperation even as Opposition unites to stand behind Centre|publisher =Firstpost |author =Debobrat Ghose|date= 8 April 2020|access-date =9 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="IndiaTodayCovid">{{cite news |url =https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/bjp-mamata-banerjee-coronavirus-bengal-tablighi-jamaat-1664619-2020-04-08|title =Is hiding Jamaat cases about vote bank: BJP asks Mamata on Bengal coronavirus numbers|date= 8 April 2020|access-date = 9 April 2020 |quote =The BJP has accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in vote bank politics after the West Bengal Chief Minister refused to share update on those who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, identified as a hotspot for the spread of novel coronavirus.|publisher =India Today}}</ref> The opposition accused Mamata of playing "appeasement politics" amid the COVID-19 crisis. On 1 April, Banerjee claimed that the [[West Bengal Government]] have already traced 54 people who attended the [[Tablighi Jamaat]] religious gathering during the COVID-19 Outbreak, and 44 of them are foreigners. Although according to a report by central security agencies, 232 people had attended the Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat event from West Bengal. Of this, 123 are Indian nationals and 109 are foreigners.<ref name="IndiaTodayCovid"/><ref name="CovidPrint">{{cite news |url =https://theprint.in/politics/mamata-calls-questions-on-tablighi-event-communal-avoids-giving-any-answers/397453/|publisher =ThePrint|title =Mamata calls questions on Tablighi event 'communal', avoids giving any answers|quote =West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday declined to give an update on the status of the people from the state who had attended Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat congregation, telling the media to not ask "communal questions".|date=7 April 2020|author=Madhuparna Das|access-date =9 April 2020}}</ref> Sooner she clarified that her government has acted swiftly after the Nizamuddin area was declared as a hotspot where nearly 2,300 people were staying despite the lockdown. She further added that the government has quarantined 177 people, including 108 foreigners, who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at the Nizamuddin Markaz.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-reveals-tablighi-jamaat-figure-108-foreigners-69-other-attendees-quarantined-in-west-bengal/1923296/|title=Mamata Banerjee reveals Tablighi Jamaat figure: 108 foreigners, 69 other attendees quarantined in West Bengal|work=Financial Express|date=2020-04-09}}</ref><ref>[http://www.businessworld.in/article/177-Tablighi-Jamaat-Attendees-Quarantined-In-WB-Says-Mamata-Banerjee/09-04-2020-188663/ 177 Tablighi Jamaat Attendees Quarantined In WB Says Mamata Banerjee – BW Businessworld]</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tablighi-jamaat-case-108-foreigners-69-other-attendees-quarantined-in-west-bengal-291541|title=Tablighi Jamaat case: 108 foreigners, 69 other attendees quarantined in West Bengal|work=WION|date=2020-04-09}}</ref>

The West Bengal Government has been also criticised for not sending enough samples to the [[National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases]] (NICED) for testing.<ref>{{cite news |url =https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/central-lab-says-mamata-govt-not-sending-enough-samples-for-covid-19-tests-as-bengal-reports-fewer-cases-1666467-2020-04-13|title =Mamata govt not sending enough samples for Covid-19 testing, says central lab director|date =April 13, 2020|publisher =[[India Today]] |quote =Responding to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's complaints about lack of testing kits in West Bengal, Dutta said ICMR has dispatched 42,500 kits to NICED so far.|author =Indrajit Kundu|location =[[Kolkata]]|access-date =14 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url =https://thewire.in/government/west-bengal-covid-19-testing|title =COVID-19: Data Shows West Bengal's Testing Is the Lowest Among Larger States|publisher =[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]|quote =West Bengal has conducted 1,889 tests as on April 9, according to the data furnished by the state health department. A total of 144,910 samples from 130,792 individuals have been tested as on April 9, 2020, 9 pm across India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.|location =[[Kolkata]] |date =11 April 2020|author =Himadri Ghosh|access-date =14 April 2020}}</ref> West Bengal test numbers saw some rise after talks between government and NICED. According to them, this will be scaled up further in coming days.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bengal-test-numbers-rise-after-talks-between-govt-and-niced/articleshow/75130638.cms |title=West Bengal test numbers rise after talks between government and NICED |work=The Times of India |date=2020-04-14 |access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref>

The West Bengal Government has also been recommended to ensure transparency, genuine and verifiable data of COVID-19 by the West Bengal Doctors Forum (WBDF), as doctors cannot afford to send wrong signals to the world. The doctors also hit out at the idea of the bureaucratic system to identify the death of COVID-19 patients. Their spokesperson claimed that every doctor is qualified enough and does not need a committee for such certification.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/west-bengal-doctors-forum-hits-out-at-govt-says-not-enough-tests-being-conducted-1667141-2020-04-15 |title=West Bengal doctors forum hits out at govt, says not enough tests being conducted |website=indiatoday.in |date=15 April 2020}}</ref>
On April 25, 2020, The WB Govt admitted that 57 COVID-19 patients died but also said that 39 from comorbidities, after Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) seeks report. The IMCT also pointed out flaws of the Govt in their letter to the Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha, in which the letter read:
{{blockquote|There were a large number of patients in the isolation wards of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) as well as MR Bangur hospitals awaiting COVID test results for five days or longer. Specifically at CNCI, there were four patients awaiting test result since April 16, 2020, two patients awaiting test result since April 17, 2020, and three since April 18, 2020. Some of the patients have tested negative. It is not clear why the test results should take such a long time and there is a danger of COVID-19 negative patient acquiring the infection in the hospital while awaiting test result<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/imct-seeks-report-on-audit-committee-bengal-says-panel-set-up-to-keep-track-of-direct-covid-19-deaths-2591585.html|title=Bengal Admits 57 COVID-19 Patients Died, But Says 39 From Comorbidities After Central Team Seeks Report}}</ref>}}

== Leakage Of Covid-19 Test Reports ==
On February 18, 2021, [[News18]] reported that Sourajeet Majumder, an independent security researcher, had discovered that the official Government site of West Bengal Health & Family Welfare Department was leaking over 1 Lakh reports of COVID-19 tests done in the state. These reports contained sensitive information in them like patient's name, age, residence address, address of referring hospital (in some cases) and the exact date and time of testing which according to Sourajeet could be easily accessed by anyone and could contribute significantly to identity scams, cyber blackmail efforts and identity thefts.<ref name="News18">{{cite news |last1=Das |first1=Shouvik |title=West Bengal Health Dept Left Over 1 Lakh Covid-19 Reports Exposed to Public Search |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/west-bengal-health-dept-1-lakh-covid-19-reports-exposed-3448106.html |work=[[News18]] |date=18 February 2021}}</ref>

Majumder reached out to [[Indian Computer Emergency Response Team|CERT-In]], who acknowledged the breach to Majumder. Sourajeet also claimed that he had reached out to the system coordinator, who manages the West Bengal State Health Department website. However, as per February 18, 2021, the concerned person issued no response.<ref name="News18" />

==Emergency Relief Fund Appeal by the West Bengal Government==
In the wake of the pandemic situation, the West Bengal Government appealed to contribute in the West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund and assist the State in prevention and control of COVID-19 situation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Awareness & Prevention of COVID-19 |url=https://wb.gov.in/COVID-19.aspx}}</ref>

==Non Government Organization Efforts==
[[File:Baranagar Mission- COVID-19 Relief Services(0).jpg|thumb|COVID-19 relief services by [[Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School|Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission]] during second wave of COVID-19 in 2021.]]
Many Non Government Organizations, Clubs, Religious Organizations, Political Parties, Persons and NRIs take part in COVID-19 Pandemic control besides Government Efforts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Civic organizations come forward to lend their helping hands amid Covid crisis in West Bengal|url=http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=416719|access-date=2021-05-20|website=newsonair.com}}</ref>

[[Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School]] was continuing the relief services to the families affected by the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic during first wave of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.belurmath.org/covid-19-pandemic-relief-services-by-ramakrishna-mission-baranagar-6026/|title=COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Services By Ramakrishna Mission, Baranagar|website=belurmath.org|date=21 April 2020|access-date=22 August 2021}}</ref> Ex-students of this school organised a COVID relief fund and delivered much-needed [[oxygen]], food, and necessary things to [[COVID-19]] affected patients and their families of [[Baranagar]] and neighborhood areas of [[North Kolkata]] during second wave of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://epaper.sangbadpratidin.in/epaper/edition/2740/sangbad-pratidin-24-05-21/page/2|title=আক্রান্তদের পাশে বরানগর রামকৃষ্ণ মিশন প্রাক্তনীরা|publisher=[[Sangbad Pratidin]]|website=sangbadpratidin.in|language=bn|date=24 May 2021|access-date=22 August 2021}}</ref>

[[Red Volunteers]] are providing ground level helps to COVID-19 affected citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-26|title=Red Volunteers Swing to Action as West Bengal Faces Covid Crisis with 15,889 New Cases|url=https://www.newsclick.in/red-volunteers-swing-action-west-bengal-faces-covid-crisis-15889-new-cases|access-date=2021-05-20|website=NewsClick|language=en}}</ref>

West Bengal Doctors Forum, a non-government organization of doctors joined hands with SwitchON to provide free telemedicine services.<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Krishnendu|last1=Bandyopadhyay|date=May 11, 2021|first2=Sumati|last2= Yengkhom |title=Docs, NGOs join hands to help patients with Cov care|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/docs-ngos-join-hands-to-help-patients-with-cov-care/articleshow/82533835.cms|access-date=2021-05-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

In light of increased oxygen demand in second wave of COVID-19, a Kolkata-based non-government organization liver foundation in collaboration with the West Bengal government's health department started a project called 'Oxygen on Wheels' to provide free oxygen to those in need.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 15, 2021|first=Suryagni|last=Roy|title='Oxygen on Wheels': NGO to provide free oxygen to Kolkata's Covid patients|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/kolkata/story/-oxygen-on-wheels-ngo-to-provide-free-oxygen-to-kolkata-s-covid-patients-1802762-2021-05-15|access-date=2021-05-20|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

Doctors from R.G. Kar Medical College developed People Care Network App to organize COVID-19 related leads and resources to help citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=কোথা থেকে পাবেন অক্সিজেন? খোঁজ দেবে R.G Kar হাসপাতালের জুনিয়র ডাক্তারের তৈরি অ্যাপ|url=https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/technology/where-do-you-get-oxygen-find-the-app-created-by-rg-kar-hospitals-junior-doctor_380378.html|access-date=2021-05-20|website=Zee24Ghanta.com|language=bn}}</ref>

An NGO from West Bengal, working for underprivileged started locating people with COVID-19 Symptoms and providing medical help.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Covid: City-based NGO team to locate people with symptoms|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/calcutta/city-based-ngo-team-to-to-locate-people-with-covid-symptoms-and-provide-medical-help/cid/1815625|access-date=2021-05-20|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref>

==See also==

* [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]]
* [[Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in India]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory]]
* [[Misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
* [[COVID-19 lockdown in India]]

{{Portal bar|COVID-19|India}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic in India}}

[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in India by state or union territory|West Bengal]]
[[Category:2020s in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Health in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Disasters in West Bengal]]

COVID-19 pandemic in West Bengal - Revision history

AidanHeim7993963 at 12:28, 22 March 2026