The coronavirus lockdown in West Bengal has been extended till June 30, chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday even as the state opened up during Unlock 1.
Kolkata, June 8:
Even as most economic activities opened across the country during phase 1 of Unlock, West Bengal has extended the coronavirus lockdown till June 30.
Speaking at a press conference, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that lockdown in the state will continue till June 30.
The chief minister added that relatives of deceased Covid-19 patients in the state will now be allowed to see them during the final rites. “The dead body should be kept at a suitable place for 30 minutes during which the family members shall be allowed to pay their last respects,” a state government notification said on Saturday.
“In case of death of a patient, the hospital shall inform the family members within one hour of death. A body cover with transparent face area shall be used,” it added.
However, the last rites will be performed by civic authorities.
The chief minister also said that now 25 people will be allowed to attend gatherings at temples and weddings — an increase from the earlier limit of 10 people.
Mamata Banerjee’s announcement on West Bengal’s lockdown extension came as shopping malls, restaurants and other establishments reopened in the state on Monday after a gap of over two months with the state government allowing further relaxations as part of “Unlock-1”, the first phase of a calibrated exit from the coronavirus-induced lockdown across the country.
The Mamata Banerjee-led government had already eased curbs in the state from June 1, allowing places of worship to reopen and full operationalisation of the jute, tea and construction sectors.
However, it had earlier officially extended the lockdown in the state till June 15.
On Monday, people came out on the streets of Kolkata in large numbers, with many flouting the social-distancing norms.
Traffic snarls were reported from several areas of the metropolis as government offices started operating with a 70-per cent attendance and most private offices and establishments recommenced near-normal functioning.
Though government buses were out in full strength, private buses were less in number, adding to the woes of commuters, as other public modes of transport like metro railway and local trains are yet to recommence operations.
Most shrines and religious places have reopened in the state from June 1.
Meanwhile, several industrial units in West Bengal reported a low turnout of workers, as a large number of labourers have returned to their home states in the last few weeks amid the lockdown.
