Check out West Bengal’s fresh set of COVID-19 guidelines as the state extends its lockdown till July 30. By Yagnoseni Das
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As a measure to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Bengal government has extended its ongoing lockdown till July 30, 2021. The lockdown, according to media reports, was decided during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
However, as a relief to commuters, the government has allowed metro rail services to operate five days a week with not more than 50 per cent of its total capacity. Its services are to remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays. As per the order issued by the state government, a few of the total 26 lockdown measures are:
- Marriage functions with a gathering of more than 50 people will not be allowed. Funeral rituals cannot have more than 20 people at a time.
- Public transport within the state—such as private buses, local taxis, cabs, and auto rickshaws—will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent seating capacity at a time.
- Parks may remain open only for vaccinated people going on morning walks or doing physical exercises. However, the same shall remain open only for three hours, starting at 06:00 am.
- Gyms are allowed to stay open for vaccinated customers from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with 50 per cent capacity at a time. The staff, too, should be vaccinated.
- Restaurants and bars, including the ones in hotels and shopping malls, may remain open with 50 per cent seating capacity as per usual operational hours. However, they must shut shop at 08:00 pm.
- E-commerce and home delivery of all commodities shall be allowed.
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Other general guidelines to be followed during the extended lockdown in West Bengal includes the prohibition of people and vehicular movement—except health services, law and order, essential commodities, and emergency services—from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. Moreover, the order also encourages work from home wherever possible and reasserts the importance of social distancing, wearing masks, and following health and hygiene protocols.
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