The administration has decided to conduct antigen tests on traders at five prominent markets in Siliguri to arrest the spread of Covid-19.

Siliguri subdivisional officer Sumanta Sahay said on Thursday that the decision had been taken as several Covid cases had been reported from the markets.

According to sources, the antigen tests would be conducted on traders at the regulated market (the
principal wholesale hub of fruits, vegetables and fish), Nayabazar (the wholesale market of grocery items), Bidhan Market and the markets in Champasari and Gurungbusty.

On Thursday, the SDO held a meeting with members of the traders’ bodies at the five markets where he had disclosed the decision on the antigen tests.

Officials of the Darjeeling district health department said they had started antigen tests in some urban and rural areas in the hills.

The hill subdivisions of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik have nine blocks.

The decision, they said, has been taken as fresh Covid cases have been reported from the hills on a regular basis in the past two-three weeks.

“Antigen tests have started in some blocks in the hills and the municipal areas of Mirik and Kurseong. We are keeping a watch over the situation and if required, more areas would be identified for such tests,” said a health official.