Lockdown-like curbs in West Bengal as COVID-19 cases rise; schools, colleges shut from tomorrow

Amid a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, the West Bengal government has imposed strict regulations in the state. Announcing the Covid-19-related restrictive measures in Kolkata and elsewhere in the state, the government instructed the respective district administrations, police commissioners, and local authorities to ensure strict compliance with the stated directives.

In view of the Omicron situation, West Bengal has imposed a series of fresh coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-related restrictions from January 3 (Monday), under which all schools and colleges in the state will once again shut their gates. Moreover, restrictive measures have also been imposed on shopping malls, market complexes, restaurants, and bars, wherein they will now allow only 50 per cent of their total capacity.

In addition to restriction and relaxation measures as already in force, following additional restrictions shall remain in force up to 15/01/2022:

1) All academic activities in schools, colleges and universities shall remain closed. Only administrative activities shall be permitted with 50% of employees at a time.
2) All government offices including public undertakings shall function with 50% of employees at a time. Work from home shall be encouraged as far as possible.
3) All private offices and establishments shall function with 50% of employees at a time. Work from home shall be encouraged as far as possible.
4) Swimming pools, spas, gyms, beauty parlors, saloons and wellness centers shall remain closed.
5) All entertainment parks, zoos, tourist places shall remain closed.
6) Shopping malls and market complexes may function with restricted entry of people by not exceeding 50 % of the capacity at a time and up to 10 PM.
7) Restaurants and bars may operate with 50% of capacity at a time and up to 10 PM.
8) Cinema halls and theatre halls may operate with 50% of seating capacity at a time and up to 10 PM.
9) Meetings and conferences shall be allowed with a maximum of 200 people at a time or 50% seating capacity of the hall, whichever is lower.
10) Not more than 50 persons at a time shall be allowed for any social, religious and cultural gatherings.
11) Not more than 50 persons shall be allowed for marriage related ceremonies.
12) Not more 20 persons shall be allowed for funeral/ burial services and last rites.
13) Local trains shall operate with 50% seating capacity up to 7 PM only.
14) Metro services shall operate with 50% seating capacity as per usual operational time.
15) Movement of people and vehicles and public gatherings of any kind shall be prohibited between 10 PM to 5 AM. Only essential and emergency services shall be permitted.

Other Advisory:
i) Duare Sarkar camps starting 2nd January 2022 are hereby postponed and will be organised again from 1st February 2022.
ii) Like in first two COVID pandemic waves, various Chambers of Commerce and Trade organizations may adopt different market places and ensure regular sanitization and COVID appropriate health and hygiene protocols. Norms of physical distancing should be strictly enforced and people without masks shall not be allowed to enter the markets.
iii) Management of industries, factories, mills, tea gardens and other establishments shall ensure strict compliance of COVID appropriate norms including wearing of masks, regular sanitization of work places and only double vaccinated workers shall be allowed to enter the work sites.
iv) All government and private hospitals are advised to review the arrangements and facilities for treatment of COVID in the hospitals so that timely and proper treatment can be given to those needing hospitalization.
v) People with Covid positive test results but asymptotic are advised to go for home isolation and monitor their health.
vi) At least 50 % of the institutional quarantine facilities as were existing during the 2nd wave of COVID pandemic should be made operational.
vii) 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 shall be encouraged as far as possible and practical.
viii) Home delivery of food and other essential products shall be allowed as per usual operational hours following proper COVID appropriate care and protocols.
ix) Wearing of masks, maintenance of physical distancing and health & hygiene protocol must be followed at all times.


We urge everyone reading this article to follow these:

STAY & KEEP PROTECTED
Some members in your family may need to continue to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19, including
Anyone not fully vaccinated, including children under 5 years who are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
People with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

GET FULLY VACCINATED

WEAR A MASK