Mamata Banerjee-led government on Thursday decided to extend the lockdown further till June 15 to control the spread of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal. The ongoing lockdown in the state was to end on May 30.
Banerjee, on April 30, had decided to impose an indefinite prohibition on several things, including shopping malls, markets, restaurants and bars, gyms, and swimming pools, with immediate effect.
West Bengal reported one of its highest drop in active COVID-19 cases – of around 3,000 in the past 24-hours as new infections fell to 16,225 on Wednesday. The state had reported over 17,000 fresh cases a day ago.
What’s allowed and what’s not in Bengal:
1) All offices and educational institutions will be shut, as well as transport services, including the metro. Petrol pumps and banks will operate from 10 am to 2 pm.
2) All emergency services will be allowed, as will home deliveries and other online services.
3) Grocery stores and shops selling essential items will stay open between 7 and 10 am. Shops selling sweets, including traditional Bengali sweetmeats, can open from 10 am to 5 pm.
4) Industries will be closed but tea gardens can function, although at 50% strength only.
5) No cultural, political, academic, administrative, or religious events and functions will be allowed during this period. No outdoor congregations will be permitted between 9 pm and 5 am.