Kolkata: West Bengal Government on Saturday announced to impose more restrictions in order to curb the spread of COVID19 the daily caseload continues to hover above 20,000. Almost a lockdown-like restrictions will be imposed for 14 days in the state starting from May 16 to May 30.
Alapan Banerjee, Chief Secretary of West Bengal Government announced it during a press conference at Nabanna. It has been clarified that stricter restrictions would be imposed on everything except emergency services in the next two weeks.
The development comes in the wake of fresh cases increasing at a record rate every day. According to the last health bulletin, 20,846 fresh cases has been reported in the state. In all, more than a million people have been infected with the virus in the state at the moment.
Chief Secretary Alapan Banerjee said the decision was made keeping in mind the ongoing crisis. Accordingly, everyone must abide by the rules. Otherwise strict action will be taken. All local trains and metro services will be suspended in the state till May 30.
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Buses, auto rickshaws and taxi services will also be closed but cab and auto service will be available only for emergency use like moving to and from hospitals, media houses and other such places. All government and private offices will be closed except for emergency services. All educational institutions will be closed. Shopping malls, gymnasiums and swimming pools will also be closed. The stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The sweet shops will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The state government has banned all kind of gatherings to curb the spread of coronavirus. Chief Secretary Alapan Banerjee said that this restrictions will be relaxed only in case of marriage and funeral. Not more than 50 people will be allowed to present at the wedding ceremony. A maximum of 20 people can attend the funeral.
He also said that only emergency services such as health, courts, electricity, drinking water, media, sanitation, petrol pumps, motor vehicle accessories would be available. The tea garden will be open with 50 percent workers. The banks will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Going out from 9 pm to 6 am without urgent need has been strictly prohibited. However, e-commerce and home delivery will continue as well as ATM counters.
After taking the oath for the third time, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was asked to impose some strict restrictions to curb the spread of COVID19. Local train services have already been suspended in the state.
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