Online Desk :
India’s West Bengal government has announced a partial shutdown in the state amid the massive surge in coronavirus cases. While shopping complexes, beauty parlors, cinema halls, sports facilities and spas will remain shut, markets will be allowed to function for only five hours every day – 7-10 am and 3-5 pm.
Restaurants, bars, gyms and swimming pools will remain shut, the state government said, adding home deliveries and other online services will be permitted.
All social, cultural, entertainment and academic gatherings have been banned.
Pharmacies, shops selling medical equipment, and grocery shops are exempted from the partial lockdown.
Counting for the eight-phased Assembly elections will take place on May 2. The state government has said all anti-Covid rules will have to be followed at the counting centers.
The daily surge of coronavirus reached a new high in Bengal on Thursday, with the state logging highest-ever 17,403 fresh cases.
The number of fatalities was also the highest, with 89 deaths recorded in a day. The positivity rate has climbed from 6.79 percent ten days ago to 7.81 percent.
The unprecedented coronavirus surge hit the state amid mega election rallies addressed by the top BJP and Trinamool leaders.
