West Bengal announces partial lockdown amid Covid surge
All social, cultural, recreational, and educational gatherings have been prohibited
The West Bengal government has declared a partial shutdown in the state in response to the massive increase in coronavirus cases.
Although shopping malls, beauty salons, cinemas, sporting centres, and spas will be closed, markets will be open for just five hours a day, from 7 to 10 am and 3 to 5 pm, reports NDTV.
Restaurants, bars, gyms, and swimming pools will all be closed, according to the state government, while home delivery and other online services will be allowed.
All social, cultural, recreational, and educational gatherings have been prohibited.
The partial lockout does not apply to pharmacies, medical supply stores, or grocery stores.
On May 2, the results of the eight-phased Assembly elections will be announced. At the counting centres, the state government has stated that all anti-Covid laws must be followed.
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 per cent ten days ago to 7.81 per cent.
The unprecedented coronavirus surge hit the state amid mega election rallies addressed by the top BJP and Trinamool leaders.