West Bengal declares partial lockdown, bans all political, religious gatherings

West Bengal government has announced a partial lockdown amid the rising cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in state. All shopping malls, beauty parlours, cinema halls, restaurants and bars, sports complexes, gyms, spas and swimming pools will remain closed in view of the Covid-19 curbs, a release issued by the government said. However, home delivery of items and online services will be allowed to function. Gatherings of all kinds, including those for social, cultural, academic or entertainment purposes will be banned, the release said, adding that markets will be open only from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 5pm on all days. 

Those places catering to essential services such as medical shops and grocery shops can remain open at times other than the specified time period, the release said. Counting for the eight-phased Assembly elections will take place on May 2. The state government has said all anti-Covid rules will have to be followed at the counting centres. The daily surge of coronavirus reached a new high in Bengal on Thursday, with the state logging highest-ever 17,403 fresh cases. Any violation of these orders will be liable to be processed against as per provisions of the DM Act, 2005 and besides, legal action under IPC and other laws of the land will be applicable.