COVID19 Lockdown: All big shops will open from May 21 in WB

COVID19 Lockdown: All big shops will open from May 21 in WB

In West Bengal, areas will be divided into three zones, Zone A – Affected Zone, Zone B – Buffer Zone and Zone C – Clean Zone. 

Private offices, including those in shopping malls, can operate with 50 per cent strength on alternate days.

Inter-district buses will be allowed from May 21 while auto-rickshaws can operate from May 27 with 2 people only.

Kolkata: After the Central Government released the guidelines for Lockdown 4.0 in India, several states have issued fresh guidelines. The Lockdown 4.0 guidelines have given more relaxations to states in comparison to the previous guidelines of Lockdown 3.0. 

The West Bengal Government has decided to divide the containment zones in the state into Zone A, B and C. The areas will be categorized on the basis of coronavirus cases in them. The Government has also decided to allow all big and small shops to open, except for those in the containment zones.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the lockdown will continue till May 31 in the state and announced the guidelines for Lockdown 4.0. Issuing the fresh guidelines for Lockdown 4.0, Mamata Banerjee said that after May 21, all big and small shops would be allowed to open, except for those in the containment zones. Masks, gloves have been made compulsory for all shopkeepers and hawkers, also sanitisation is mandatory.

CM Mamata Banerjee said, “Private offices, including those in shopping malls, can operate with 50 per cent strength on alternate days. Salons and beauty parlors can function in the state but have to strictly follow social distancing and maintain disinfection of tools and sanitisation of premises.”

WB Chief Minister said, “Containment zones would be defined as Zone A, B and C. While Zone A will be identified as ‘Affected Zone’ (total lockdown), Zone B will be known as ‘Buffer Zone’ (with some particular relaxations) and Zone C will remain ‘Clean’ (with all relaxations).

She further said, “Inter-district buses will be allowed from May 21 while auto-rickshaws can operate from May 27 with 2 people only. Hotels can be opened with strict social distancing but no restaurant is allowed to open for now. Sports is permitted but no gathering of spectators can take place.”

“The Central Government has announced a curfew between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. We are not declaring curfew, but the lockdown will continue till May 31. We are not saying it is a curfew as it is mainly used during communal tensions. We don’t want to force anything on the people. But yes, there will be strict restrictions between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. We urge people to follow the lockdown measures. If anyone is seen flouting them, strict action will be taken against the violators” WB CM said.

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