The West Bengal Health Department issued a Covid-19 advisory urging the elderly, children, pregnant women as well as people with comorbidities to avoid any public gatherings. In the advisory issued on Tuesday, it said that though the prevailing strains in the state are known to cause mild symptoms, in some cases, complications may arise especially among the very aged as well as those with "compromised immunity." The department also urged the people who haven't taken booster shots yet to take it, reported news agency PTI.
The advisory further read, "The currently circulating strains of COVID-19 in the state are known to cause just mild symptoms. However, in a small proportion, the disease may aggravate to cause complications, especially in the very elderly, people with comorbidities (diseases of heart, kidney, liver, lungs, or diabetes), and those with compromised immunity (cancer or HIV patients or people on long course steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs)."
It encouraged people to use soaps and sanitiser more frequently and also inculcate this habit among children. It said, "Very old people, those with comorbidities, and pregnant women should keep away from individuals suffering from fever and cold and cough."
The department urged people to not spit in public places so that it could help curb the spread of the virus. The statement asked people to get themselves tested for Covid in case they develop a sore throat or cough and cold. It also asked them to remain in self-isolation for a week for around a week if the results of the tests return positive.
The state health department asked people to visit hospitals if their symptoms aggravate or their oxygen level drops. Towards the end of the statement, it cautioned people from taking any antibiotics or cough syrup without proper medical advise. The statement asked them to call the state helpline number 14416 in cases of emergency.