After Anjan Dutt, it is now the turn of actor Abhishek Chatterjee to face flak for not following the health ministry guidelines and opting for self-isolation, after his arrival from London on 18 March from the shooting of Baazi. However, his co-stars Mimi Chakraborty, Jeet and Biswanath Basu had said that they would be following the guidelines, despite testing negative for coronavirus, and would stay at home for the next two weeks.
Clearly exhibiting his ignorance regarding the spread of the coronavirus, Chatterjee has not only been mixing with people but has also decided to attend a coronavirus awareness gathering as well. Speaking to Anandabazar Patrika, a Bengali daily, he said, “Why should I not go? I have not been tested positive. After the screening at the airport, I was advised to go home. There is no virus in my body. Hence, there is no question of self-isolation."
The health ministry has strictly ordered all international tourists to stay at home after their return for 14 days, to check for symptoms of the virus. Chatterjee’s act has been criticised as highly irresponsible.
Earlier, Dutt faced severe criticism for not following the state government’s guideline after returning from his visit to Australia as he immediately chose to attend a gathering organised by the Bangladesh deputy high commission in Kolkata.
A few days ago, a London-returned student, who was found to be freely roaming the city and attending several gatherings, later tested positive for the virus. Till now there have two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Kolkata.