West Bengal Lockdown extended

Whereas, in order to contain spread of COVID-19 pandemic, state government vide No. 753/III-ISS/2M-22/2020 dated 14/07/2021 read with order No. 753/IV-ISS/2M-22/2020 dated 29/07/2021 notified certain restriction measures in terms of the provisions under Disaster Management Act 2005 read with West Bengal Epidemic Disease, Covid-19 Regulations 2020, which are in effect till 15th August 2021.

Whereas, after a review of the current situation of COVID pandemic, State Executive Committee of West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority recommended further extension of restriction measures as already in force with graded and calibrated approach to relaxations as required.

Accordingly, in terms of the provisions under Disaster Management Act 2005 read with West Bengal Epidemic Disease, Covid-19 Regulations 2020, restriction measures notified under order No. 753/III-ISS/2M-22/2020 dated 14/07/2021 and subsequent orders stand extended upto 31/08/2021 with the following additional relaxations:

1) Outdoor Government programmes with maintenance of physical distancing and health and hygiene protocols.

2) Opening of Theatre Halls, Sadans, Manchas, Auditoriums and open air theatres for cultural activities, with not more than 50 % of seating capacity.

3) Stadium and swimming pools may remain open with 50 % of capacity at a time.

4) All shops and establishments including restaurants and bars allowed to remain open upto 8 PM so far can now remain open upto usual working hours but not beyond 10:30 PM.

Wearing of masks, maintenance of physical distancing and health & hygiene protocol must be followed at all times.

Employers/ management bodies / owners / supervisors of all offices, establishments and work places shall be responsible for provisioning of all COVID safety measures including regular sanitization of work places, vaccination of employees and for compliance of stated directives and COVID appropriate norms. Work from home must be encouraged as far as possible and practical.

All outdoor activities including movement of people and vehicles shall be strictly prohibited between 11 PM to 5 AM except for health services, law and order, essential commodities including agricultural produce and other emergency services.

District administration, police commissionerates and local authorities shall ensure strict compliance of the stated directives. Any violation of the restriction measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and under Indian Penal Code.

This order shall come into effect from 16/08/2021.

Chief Secretary

Source