77% of Kolkata containment zones are in standalone buildings, complexes – Times of India

KOLKATA: Among the 1,872 containment units in Kolkata, nearly 76.7% are standalone buildings and apartment complexes. These are spread across 18 clusters with south Kolkata continuing to show a late spurt. According to the containment data made available by the state, Kolkata has 689 containment units in standalone buildings and 742 flats or apartments.
Police on Sunday indicated that stricter containment policies will be implemented at places which throw up several cases. This may include a lockdown of that particular zone. “In such places, entry of outsiders will be restricted. We will also ensure that there is social distancing at the markets, bus stops and public transport in these zones. Anybody not wearing a mask will be penalized,” said a senior officer.

In isolated containment units, norms will be relaxed. While individual Covid patients and their family members residing in isolation units will be counselled and advised not to step out, places where four to five cases get reported within a single apartment complex and where there is a “high chance of multiplying” will witness immediate police intervention and stricter enforcement of rules. Kolkata now has 18 containment zones and another 1,872 isolation units. Incidentally, all the containment zones at present are apartments.
TOI on Sunday visited five containment zones in Bhowanipore and Kankurgachhi, which have reported cluster outbreaks, to get a feel of the ground reality. At Chakraberia North, barricades had been put up at two entry points of the lane and four cops were guarding a building that houses 22 flats.
On Sarat Bose Road, two more apartments had two cops guarding them.
“We do not know how food is being delivered to the residents. You have to ask our senior,” said a constable at the barricade.
At Kankurgachhi, barricades were visible outside both containment zones. But while one had a lone cop on guard, the other had none. The shop right next to the containment zone is still operational. “We are going by requirement,” said an officer.
In Ballygunge and Bhowanipore, fresh cases are being reported from high-rises, apartment buildings and stand-alone buildings. In the Ultadanga-Kankurgachhi belt, which has the highest number of containment zones, the KMC health team is doing the rounds after fresh Covid cases were reported.
The health department has been asked to remain extra vigilant in large areas of Bhowanipore, Sarat Bose Road and Hazra Road.
“We need to keep a special vigil on large markets in the Park Circus-Ballygunge and Bhowanipore-Sarat Bose Road areas as many cases have been reported in the vicinity,” a senior health department official said.
(With inputs from Amit Moulick)