West Bengal withdraws complete lockdown on Aug 2 and 9 for 'festivals and community occasions'

West Bengal's Home Department said the government withdrew the lockdown on Aug 2 and 9 as they were coinciding with "festivals and important community occasions".

The Home Department said in a tweet, "After announcing the state-wide complete lockdown dates in the state the government has been receiving request and appeal from different quarters not to observe state-wide lockdown on certain dates coinciding with festivals and important community occasions."

"Respecting the sentiments of the people we are withdrawing complete lockdown announcement for 2 August and 9 August."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday evening announced biweekly lockdown on Aug 2, 5, 8, 9, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 31 to stem the spread of the contagion.

Banerjee said the state government did not consider calling lockdown on Aug 1, 3 and 15 for festivals Eid, Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day celebration respectively.

Meanwhile, the state government has extended the lockdown in all containment zones till Aug 31.

All schools, colleges and educational institutions will remain closed till the end of August, said the CM.