Following the spike in Covid19 cases and fatalities after the Assembly polls, the West Bengal government today imposed a lockdown in the state. West Bengal will be under complete lockdown from May 16 to May 30, however essential services will be exempted.
The decision comes even after West Bengal had several Covid restrictions in place. The new restriction will be implemented from Sunday at 6 am and continue till 6 pm on May 30.
Signing the order, Chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay said, “We are hopeful that with these restrictions, we will be able to contain the virus to some extent. This will also reduce the burden on health care institutes, nursing homes and hospitals, This will help us reduce the daily corona cases and also to manage the Oxygen supply chain.”
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The government also directed the state officials and said, “District administration, police commissioners and local authorities shall ensure the strict compliance of the above-mentioned directives. Any violation of the restrictions will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Disaster Management Act 2003 under Indian Penal Code.”
Essential and emergency services exempted
Amid lockdown, emergency services and media operations will be allowed. Essential services like medical stores, optical showrooms and ATMs will also remain open. All markets can stay open from 7 AM to 10 am. Sweet shops are also allowed to function from 10 AM to 5 pm.
Petrol pumps are to remain open. Banks will also function between 10 am to 2 pm. Government offices that handle emergency and essential services will also remain functional.
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What is not allowed
Industries and factories are to remain closed. Inter-state trains, buses and Metro services are restricted. All gatherings whether it be religious or political are prohibited. Tea garden will operate with 50% of the workforce and jute mill with 30% workforce.
Schools, colleges and other educational institutions will also remain closed. Government and private offices to remain shut.
Night curfew imposed between 9 pm to 5 am. Meanwhile, weddings will be permitted with only 50 people. Social distancing must be followed in weddings. Gyms, spas, shopping malls and cinema halls will also remain shut.