Don't behave irresponsibly if you have coronavirus-like

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that people should not behave irresponsibly if they show coronavirus-like symptoms.

Banerjee also instructed police to take stern action against those who spread fake news on the coronavirus outbreak.

"We don't support if somebody tries to hide his/her symptoms and doesn't take precautionary measures. If people show any symptom of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease), they should immediately go for tests and medical examination," the chief minister said.

"Just because someone belongs to an influential family, it does not give him the right to spread the virus," Banerjee said while addressing a programme here.

A few senior state government officials, including Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, were asked to stay at home after they came in contact with an officer whose son tested positive for the coronavirus, sources said.

The 18-year-old youth, who recently returned from England, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, making it the first confirmed case in the state.

He had gone to the UK for higher studies and had returned on Sunday.

Banerjee said the youth did not pay heed to the advise of doctors who suggested him to go for tests.