Bengal announces extension of lockdown till June 30

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced the extension of lockdown in containment zones till June 30 with a new set of relaxations.

The state government has decided to allow entry of a maximum of 25 people at a time at the places of worship with the same number being allowed to attend ceremonies, including marriages and funerals (shradh).

Similarly, Earlier, only 10 people were allowed on all these occasions.

However, the restriction on movement of individuals from 9 pm to 5 am, except in the cases of essential activities, will continue.

The announcement came when the state government offices have started functioning with 70 per cent employees and shopping malls and restaurants have been thrown open to the public following the set norms.

The Chief Minister said: "We are extending the lockdown till June 30. But we have decided to give some relaxations and at the same time directed the Kolkata Police and all Commissionarates to prepare a road map so that riding of bicycles can be allowed on connecting roads, lanes and bylanes."

The decision to allow riding of bicycles in urban areas has been taken with train and Metro services remaining suspended. People can reach their destinations on bicycles.

"We have to be very careful so that accidents don't take place. There are graded roads for riding bicycles in developed countries. The police have to identify the roads where no accidents will take place if people ride bicycles," Banerjee said, adding that more than 5,000 buses are operating. But, allowing riding of bicycles will be an added advantage for the commuters.

Banerjee also announced a World Bank project of Rs 1,050 crore to develop logistics for industries and Rs 850 crore for social schemes that include 'Joy Bangla Prakalpa'.

The Chief Minister also urged people to avoid gatherings at market places and to maintain norms of physical distancing to check the spread of COVID-19. "There are many asymptomatic cases as well. So it is better to be on guard. But one should not panic as it is curable if timely precautions are maintained," she said adding that the number of COVID-19 positive cases is going up in the state with an influx of returnees. Around 9 lakh people have already returned and the number will touch 11 lakh by June 10.

Stating her government's initiative in extending support to the migrant labourers stuck in Bengal, the Chief Minister said: "I would like to inform you that the migrant labourers stuck in Bengal are unwilling to return to their respective states because this is the safest place in the country right now. This is the uniqueness of Bengal."

Banerjee also spoke about the step taken by her government in allowing family members of a deceased COVID-19 patient to see the body of their near and dear ones for one last time.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram government also announced a similar directive after a consultative meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday. The state government has decided to impose a two-week total lockdown starting June 9 in view of the prevailing Coronavirus situation.