The West Bengal government on Monday announced extension of Covid restrictions till July 1 with some relaxations. The restrictions have been suggested to control the spike in Covid cases during the eight-phase Assembly elections in Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After witnessing a steady decline in daily Covid cases in past one month under strict restrictions, the Mamata Banerjee-led government announced that restrictions on transportation services will continue while movement of people will remain prohibited between 9 pm and 5 am. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The movement of private vehicles to remain suspended excluding for emergency. All education institutes and waterways will also remain closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision came following a steady decline in daily Covid cases and as well as in active cases. The state, which was reporting about 20,000 cases daily in mid-May, recorded 3,984 cases yesterday. The active case count in the state is now 17,651.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing a press conference on Monday, the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the Covid positivity rate, which had climbed to 32% during the Assembly elections in Bengal, is now around 5%. She said that nearly 2 crore people in the state have received their vaccine shots especially the groups that are super-spreaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also said that the one nation one ration scheme will be implemented in West Bengal within the next three months. To complete this, some Aadhaar verification is due which will be sorted out soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easing the restrictions, the state government allowed the factories and other production units to resume operations with 50% capacity. However, it is mandatory for the staff members to receive Covid vaccination and the Covid protocols should be followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moving a step further, the government has permitted to the restaurants and bars to resume dine-in services between noon and 8 pm with 50% seating capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As per the new guidelines, government offices can function from June 16 at 25% capacity and authorities must ensure transport arrangements for the staff while the private offices have been allowed to operate with 25% attendance between 10 am and 4 pm. Under the new guidelines, employers shall arrange transport for the staff members and obtain e-passes from the district administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parks can now open from 6 am to 9 am for morning walkers but only those who have received the vaccine will be allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retail shops in malls and market complexes and haats can now stay open for an hour more from 7 am to 11 am. These outlets can function with a maximum of 25% staff strength and at 30% customer capacity. Vendors too can trade during these hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n