No movement of people after 10 pm, 50% attendance in offices: New Covid norms in Bengal

NEWS WAVE INDIA: The West Bengal government on Sunday introduced a slew of strict lockdown-like measures amid a sharp surge in coronavirus cases in the state and violation of Covid-19 norms by the populace. According to the new set of restrictions, movement of people and vehicles and public gatherings of any kind shall be prohibited between 10 pm. to 5 am. Only essential and emergency services shall be permitted. Schools, Colleges, and Universities shall remain closed.

“Attendance of all government and private offices in the state will be capped at 50%. All administrative meetings will be conducted by a virtual mode,” said West Bengal chief secretary HK Dwivedi. Swimming pools, Spas, Gyms and Salons will remain closed from tomorrow, January 3, untill further notice.

Zoos and tourist places will also be closed to the public from tomorrow. Seating in movie theatres has been slashed to 50%. All shopping malls, markets as well as bars and restaurants shall operate at 50% capacity only and mast lower their shutters by 10 pm. “All markets have to be sanitized. We appeal to all Chambers and Market Committee to sanitize markets. The onus of following Covid protocols lies on Industries,” said West Bengal chief secretary H K Dwivedi.

Home delivery of food and other essential products shall be allowed as per usual operational hours following proper Covid-appropriate care and protocols. The government emphasized the importance of wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing and adhering to health and hygiene protocols at all times in public. West Bengal is witnessing a Spurt in covid-19 cases for the last few days. On Saturday, it reported 4,512 fresh infection, 1,061 more than the previous day’s figure, with Kolkata accounting for 2,398 fresh cases.