Total active Covid-19 cases in Bengal fell for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, by nine this time to 19,493, as the state reported 2,134 new infections and 2,105 more recoveries.

The total infections stopped short of 63,000, of which over 42,000 are recoveries.

However, Bengal also reported 38 more deaths in the 24-hour window till 9am on Tuesday, taking the total toll to 1,449. Calcutta accounted for 10 deaths and North 24-Parganas 18 on Tuesday. The state government reported 1,246 or 86 per cent as deaths with co-morbidity “present”.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attributed the rise in cases largely to the ramped up testing.

“As you can see, we have been increasing our testing, which is why — as some of you are able to understand — the number (of Covid-19 cases) appear to be slightly high. It’s very natural… testing in one lab (at the start of the pandemic) to 56 labs, including 30 big ones, there will be such a difference,” said Mamata on Tuesday evening.

The recovery rate rose to a record 66.74 per cent on Tuesday, bettering the 66.72 on July 4. “Recovery rate had slipped to 58 per cent over the past couple of weeks. Now, it is back on track,” said a minister. The national recovery rate is 64.51.
With 17,021 tests, the state set a new 24-hour record for maximum tests.

Bengal now has a test total of over 8.39 lakh, at 9,325 tests per million.

“Daily testing is now past 17,000,” Mamata said. “That is why 2,100-2,300 new cases are being found (each day).”
Mamata said the state would begin conducting antigen tests — with rapid results — as well, which will take the daily test count to 25,000 and the antigen testing to 2 lakh by August 15.

Mamata added: “Bengal is the gateway to the northeast, it has international borders to three nations, besides borders to three eastern states. People from all around us have been coming to Bengal and getting admitted here for treatment.”