Kolkata, Jun 17 (IANS): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the state government has introduced a new concept of 'safe houses' to treat Covid-19 patients in the state.

"These safe houses are different as compared to quarantine centres. They are for mild positive patients. There are about 104 such safe houses across the state," the CM told a press conference here at state secretariat Nabanna.

She asked people not to panic and hide corona symptoms. It is not a crime to be infected by the virus.

"There will be more such safe houses spread across the state. The number will increase in the days to come. I am even ready to give my house for the purpose," she said.

Asking people to wear masks while stepping out of their places, Banerjee said the concept of safe houses will help save hospital beds for more serious or critical COVID-19 patients.

She said the recovery ratio of Covid-19 in the state is currently about 50.61 per cent.

"There are about 8,000 doctors and 9,000 nurses who are working as frontline Covid warriors across the state. We have conducted over 3.5 lakh tests already," she said.