Bengal government extended the lockdown till July 30
Keeping in view the imminent threat of a third wave of COVID-19, the West Bengal government has decided to take no risk with some relaxations and continue with the COVID-induced restrictions till July 30. Though the state has not allowed the operation of trains, it has opened up a few more areas, bringing comfort to the people and providing more business opportunities.
In an order, the state government said, all shops and markets (essential and non-essential items) can remain open as per normal operating hours. Retail shops in shopping malls and market complexes can remain open with 50 per cent workforce per hour as per normal operating hours. There will be a restricted entry of up to 50 percent of the people/customers at a time.
However, it has been said that the timing of night curfew will be from 9 pm to 5 pm. Thus making it clear that all commercial establishments will remain closed till 9 pm.
Banks, which were allowed to function till 2 pm till now, have been allowed to work for one more hour. Banks and financial institutions will remain open for restricted hours between 10 am to 3 pm.
The state government also said that parks can remain open for morning walks, physical exercise etc. during 6 am to 9 pm. But only vaccinated people will be allowed. Gyms will be allowed to remain open from 6 am to 10 am and 4 pm. With 50 per cent capacity in each session till 8 pm, provided the employees/employees and customers have been vaccinated.
Salons and beauty parlors can remain open as per normal operating hours with 50 per cent seating capacity at a time, provided the staff/staff and customers have been vaccinated.
The state government ordered that all cinema halls, spas and swimming pools will remain closed, but the last may be opened from 6 am to 10 am, especially for the regular practice of swimmers of state, national and international level.
Metro rail service will operate 5 days a week with 50 per cent seating capacity and will remain suspended on Saturdays and Sundays. Regular cleaning of Metro, wearing of masks and proper COVID compliance discipline by the commuters will be ensured by the Metro authorities and local administration.
However, no major changes have been made in the transport system. Although there was a huge demand to open local trains, the state government decided to keep them suspended for another 15 days.
The order said, the movement of intra-state local trains will remain closed except in special trains for the movement of personnel of emergency and essential services.
