WB guv writes to CM, seeks updates on precautionary steps

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking updates on the precautionary measures being taken by the state government to tackle the situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak.

Taking to Twitter, he urged people to abide by government advisories and take precautions.

"(I) Have urged the Chief Minister @MamataOfficial to update me on the status of preparation to deal with #Coronavirus. Also urge the people to abide by the advisories and take precautions," he tweeted.

Dhankhar shared a photograph of the letter sent to Banerjee, calling for united efforts to fight the pandemic.

"Certain precautionary measures have also reportedly been taken so as to ensure containment of the coronavirus pandemic.... In the aforesaid situation, I will greatly appreciate if an updated appraisal is effected at my end at the earliest," he said.

The governor, who had engaged in a bitter acrimony with the state government over a host of issues since assuming charge in July last year, also laid emphasis on public awareness in his letter.

"A fundamental aspect to be attended in such a situation is to generate awareness.... I am sure all concerned in the health sector as also the NGOs, are also coming forward to participate wholesomely," he added.

Banerjee on Monday announced that her government will create a Rs 200-crore corpus to tackle the coronavirus outbreak and ordered the closure of all cinema halls, stadiums and auditoriums till March 31 as a precautionary measure.

She also extended the closure of all educational institutions till April 15.

Banerjee said the state government would invoke the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 so that actions could be taken against those who do not follow the safety precautions suggested by the authorities to prevent the spread of coronavirus.