KOLKATA: The West Bengal health department has banned use of cellphones inside hospitals treating suspected and positive Covid-19 cases. The order, passed late on Tuesday and addressed to district magistrates, chief medical officers of health and superintendents of Covid-dedicated hospitals, said: “Since mobile phones can be a potential source of spreading Covid-19 infection, no one will be allowed to carry, possess or use mobile phones inside Covid hospitals in the state. This applies to all persons inside the hospital, whether patient or staff on duty.”Senior officials at Swasthya Bhavan pointed out that a video clip, ostensibly recorded by a suspected Covid-19 patient at M R Bangur Hospital, had gone viral on Tuesday, prompting them to issue the order. The video showed a body — covered in a plastic sheet —lying on one of the beds at the hospital ward.“We have nothing to hide. It takes some time to remove a body, according to protocol. But mobile phones are not supposed to be used inside Covid-19 isolation wards for the sheer transmission risk involved,” said Sisir Naskar superintendent at M R Bangur Hospital.“What is wrong in reiterating guidelines? It’s for the benefit of patients, isn’t it?” said minister of state for health Chandrima Bhattacharya . “Patients can communicate with their families through attendants, who will speak on their behalf on the intercom,” MR Bangur superintendent said.