West Bengal extends COVID-19 lockdown till May 31: CM Mamata Banerjee

While addressing a press conference, on Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the lockdown will be extended till May 31 in the state.

Here are the highlights of the announcements made:

1. The state has divided the containment zones into 3 parts: A, B, and C. (A-Affected Zone, B-Buffer Zone, C-Clean Zone.)
2. All the prominent shops will open from May 21 in all Zone except for A Zone.
3. The Centre has asked us to impose curfew from 7 pm to 7 am. But we will anyway be in lockdown so I don’t want to impose the ‘curfew’ word on people. I urge everyone to follow norms. We will not implement any curfew. Lockdown will continue: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
4. A committee will be formed regarding the re-opening of hawker markets and the decision will be announced before May 27
5. Gloves and masks are mandatory for vendors.
6. Inter-district buses will be allowed from May 21. Private bus owners will also be allowed to operate, provided they follow social distancing and maintain government protocols
7. Autorickshaws will run from May 27. But not more than 2 passengers can ride in each auto
8. Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open only for sports activities. However, spectators will not be allowed in these complexes.
9. Salons and beauty parlors have been allowed to reopen. However, the barbers have been urged to sanitize their equipment.
10. Private offices,even those inside shopping malls,can work with up to 50% staff.
11. The state has urged to celebrate the festival of Eid at home and follow lockdown protocols.
12. CM urged opposition parties to refrain from indulging in politics.
13. The CM maintained that 170 people have arrived in the state by airplane from Bangladesh. All the passengers have been quarantined. Already 2 lakh people have come by trains and buses.
14. Earlier 1200 people were being brought in each train, however, 1800 people will now be brought in each train. The passengers are being thoroughly checked after arrival and are being sent home.
15. CM denied the stats of 20 lakh migrant workers from the state and said that the actual number of stranded migrant workers is far less.
16. CM urged the people to avoid going fishing especially with the Cyclone Amphan on its way.
17. CM earlier asked for 115 trains for the stranded people but, today announced that she will be asking for 120 more trains in the next 15 days. She maintained that the WB government will try to bring back as many workers as possible within 15 days. 10 trains will be arriving in the state every day.
18. CM urged people to maintain social distancing while visiting the market premises.
19. Chief Secretary has been asked to appoint new nurses. And provide training to the local youths for the posts of male and female helpers; so that they can help put on ventilators and help in the hospitals.