Shortly after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CMs of different states, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday declared that the lockdown had been extended till April 30.
During a press conference, the Banerjee announced:
- All schools and colleges in West Bengal will remain closed till June 10
- Markets and essential services shops in West Bengal will now remain open from 10 am to 6 pm in order to avoid crowding
- Central has been urged to ensure strict vigil in the border areas
- 3 task force has been formed
- Strict action will be taken on violation of rules
- Drones will be used to enhance monitoring of the lockdown and ensure that large number of people do not gather
- Bengal has asked for Rs 10 lakh crore fund to boost health infrastructure and the economy
- CM emphasized that there are “no hotspots” but “micro-planning areas” in the state where proper measures are being undertaken
- Bakeries, wheat and oil mills likely to be allowed to function
- Online home delivery of food and groceries during the lockdown will be allowed
- State considering 25 percent workforce in the tea gardens
- Police to provide help to the people of the red light areas and of the eunuch (kinner) community
- A new app will be launched for farmers; Grains can be purchased through the app