Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi for ban on all incoming flights to West Bengal to check coronavirus

In a move aimed at limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus contagion, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today wrote to PM Narendra Modi for instructions to stop all incoming flights to the state.

The state government has taken all steps to counter the spread of the virus, but is seriously concerned that the government of India is still allowing operation of flights, which is "a huge breach of shutdown and quarantine protocol", says Banerjee's letter to Modi.

The letter requests Modi govt to issue "necessary instructions to stop all flights coming to West Bengal with immediate effect", so that the source of the infection is effectively contained and "lockdown in the state is implemented in true letter and spirit".


Meanwhile, it was announced that Kolkata and several other areas across Bengal will be under lockdown from Monday 5 pm to March 27.

A day earlier, the West Bengal government had suspended interstate bus services till March 31.