From the 1st of May, a partial lockdown has been imposed in West Bengal. The State Government decided to impose the lockdown with certain restrictions due to the increasing number of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.
Recently, the State has witnessed a massive number of COVID-19 cases. For the past 1 week, the State recorded more than 15,000 cases on a regular basis. In addition, the State also conducted several rallies, public gatherings and roadshows for the recently held West Bengal elections 2021. The West Bengal elections started from the 27th of March and continued till the 29th of April.
The decision to impose partial lockdown was taken a day after the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded. In the evening of the 30th of April, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led State Government released an official notification, informing about the partial lockdown. The notification was issued and signed by the State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
According to the issued notification, bars, restaurants, gyms, swimming pools, salons shopping malls, cinema halls would remain shut. In addition, cultural, social, academic, entertainment or any other kind of gathering would not be allowed until further notice.
Markets would be open in two phases, 7:00 A.M., to 10:00 A.M., and 3:00 P.M., to 5:00 P.M. However, medical shops, essential commodities and grocery shops are exempted from the aforementioned arrangements.
Public transportation would function as it was with a limited number of passengers. Offices would also work as it is, with limited staff, following all guidelines of the Novel Coronavirus. Home deliveries and e shopping would remain functional.
Speaking of the elections count on the 2nd of May, the TMC Government said it would be held under the Election Commission of India (ECI.) In addition, as per the ECI notification, there would be no public rallies or victory rallies in West Bengal due to the COVID-19 surge.
Anyone violating any of the rules of the imposed lockdown would have to face serious consequences under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC.) The TMC Government also said they would review the situation every day and based on the same, further decisions regarding the lockdown would be taken. It is to be noted, as of now, the State Government is not planning to impose any lockdown, but if the situation worsened it would be the last and only option left.
Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, West Bengal reported 17,411 fresh cases. West Bengal’s total caseload has now mounted to 8,28,366, whereas the death toll with 96 new fatalities stands at 11,344. The number of active cases in the State has increased to 1,13,624.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Also read: West Bengal Conducts Final Phase Polling, Records 37.80 % Voters Turnout
