India is witnessing a hike in new Covid-19 cases day by day, along with the threat of the Omicron variant. Fresh cases including those infected with Omicron variant are being recorded in various states in India.
Maharashtra, Kerala and West Bengal have the highest number of Covid positive cases.West Bengal stands at the third position in the country after its active caseload of 13,300.
Therefore in order to gain control over the current situation, the Bengal Government re-imposed several Covid-19 restrictions on Sunday. The Chief Secretary of Bengal, HK Dwivedi announced the restrictions that have to be followed from January 3rd, 2022.
The schools, colleges, University and educational institutions will remain closed from January 3rd, 2022. while, private and Government offices will continue to work only with 50 per cent workers.
Mr.Dwivedi stated that “Government and Private offices can work at 50 per cent capacity, with all administrative meetings to be conducted virtually”.
The movement of people and vehicles shall be prohibited as night curfew from 10pm-5am will be implemented and during this time there will be access only to essential and emergency services.
Other services like gym, wellness center and salons, swimming pools and amusement parks will be shut down.
The Kolkata metro train will run as per usual operational timing and have 50per cent seating capacity. But, local train services will function only till 7pm with just 50 per cent capacity. All long-distance trains shall continue to run as usual.
Flights to Kolkata from Delhi and Mumbai will be allowed twice in a week i.e, on Monday and Friday.
Shopping Malls are allowed to operate with a 50 per cent crowd from 10am to 5pm. Likewise for Cinema, restaurant and bars the capacity has been reduced to 50 per cent and can be open till 10pm.
All the tourist places will also remain closed from Monday.
When it’s a matter of social, religious and cultural gatherings it has to be ensured that the limit of 50 people is not crossed.
Incase of marriage and other family functions, it may be performed with the presence of not more than 50 persons. The count is limited to 20 incase of funerals and burials.
Even the Calcutta High court and district courts will be functioning in virtual mode from Monday with certain exceptions.
Meetings and conferences can be held with an attendance of 200 people or 50 per cent seating capacity of the hall whichever is lower.
The government has insisted people to wear masks, maintain physical distance and to follow health and hygiene protocols. Violation of the restrictive measures may lead to major consequences. Hence people are strictly advised to obey the Covid norms.
Hope, the following measures taken by the West Bengal government will have a positive impact and prevent the spread of the virus.
