Kolkata: Life came to a near standstill across West Bengal on Thursday as the state was put under a complete lockdown to break the chain of rapidly rising COVID-19 cases.
All shops were shut and all modes of transport went off the road as part of the state government's plan to clamp restrictions two days a week. A similar lockdown will be in place on July 25 and 29.
The step to implement the bi-weekly lockdown was taken amid admission of community transmission in some parts of the state.
Special police teams were seen patrolling various parts of the city, especially containment zones.
Barricades were put up in various parts of the state to stop people from coming out of their homes and areas.
Both government and private, commercial establishments, public and private transport, as well as activities other than under emergency services would remain closed on these days.
The state presently has 930 broad-based containment zones. The death toll in West Bengal mounted to 1,221 as it reported the worst daily spike of 39 fatalities on Wednesday, the health department said. It also recorded 2,291 fresh infections, pushing the tally to 49,321, it said in a bulletin.
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However, All petrol pumps in West Bengal will remain operational on the three days when the state government has till now decided to impose complete lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior official of the home department said.
Factories and construction works where labourers stay on-site will also be allowed to function on the lockdown days.
The administration has decided to impose total lockdown in the entire state on two days every week till August. The shutdown would be clamped on Thursday and Saturday this week. The measure will also be enforced on Wednesday next week and the second day will be announced later.
"On the lockdown days (July 23, 25 and 29), petrol pumps will remain open to serve the vehicles that are allowed to ply. Work in factories and construction sites having on-site workers will also be allowed on complete lockdown days," the official said.
With inputs from PTI
