Bengal’s COVID-19 restrictions: Know what’s allowed and not under new guideline

The COVID-19 restrictions, which are already in place till 6 pm on Jun 15, have been extended till 6 pm on Jun 30. 

While normal transport services have been kept dysfunctional, some relaxations with reference to offices and markets have been announced by Chief Secretary Hari Krishna Dwivedi.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said around two crore people have been vaccinated in the state.

“Around two crore people have been vaccinated in the state. Super spreaders have been vaccinated so Bengal is safe,” said Banerjee.

“The positivity rate, which went up to 20-22 per cent during the state elections, is now around six per cent. I hope this will further come down with everyone’s cooperation,” she added.

Know what’s allowed and not

All government offices can function with 25 per cent of the total strength.

All private and corporate offices can remain open from 10 am to 4 pm with not more than 25 per cent of the total strength. E-passes can be used for travel. 

All production units and industries including IT and ITES may function with 50 per cent of the total strength in each shift subject to vaccination of employees, wearing masks and maintenance of social distancing. E-passes can be used for travel.

Parks may remain open for morning walks, physical exercise etc. between 6 am and 9 am. People who have been vaccinated will only be allowed in parks for morning walks.

Retail shops, vendors, bazaars and hats relating to vegetables, fruits, groceries, milk, bread, meat and eggs shall be allowed to remain open between 7 am and 11 am.

Other shops will be allowed to remain open from 11 am to 6 pm.

Restaurants and bars including the ones in hotels and shopping malls may remain open between 12 noon and 8 pm with 50 per cent seating capacity.

Retail shops in shopping malls and market complexes may remain open between 11 am and 6 pm with 25 per cent of total workforce and restricted entry of people (only customers) up to 30 per cent of the total capacity of the shopping mall at a time.

Operations related to tea auctions may resume with 25 per cent of the total strength.

Games and sports may resume in stadiums and sports clubs without spectators.

Indoor and outdoor shooting and associated activities related to TV programmes and films may resume with not more than 50 persons per unit at a time.

All educational institutions shall continue to be closed.

All intra-state local trains, metro railway, intra-state bus services and inland water transport shall remain closed except for staff special trains for movement of emergency and essential service personnel.

Movement of private vehicles, taxis and auto-rickshaws shall be prohibited to and from hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, clinics, airports, terminals points, media houses etc.

All social, cultural, academic, entertainment related gatherings, groupings and congregations shall continue to remain prohibited.

All beauty parlours, cinema halls, gyms, spa and swimming pools will remain closed.

Not more than 50 people shall be allowed in any kind of social gathering including marriage.

Funeral rituals shall be allowed with not more than 20 people at a time.

E-commerce and home deliveries shall remain functional.

Bank services will be available from 10 am to 2pm and for operations of ATMs.

Petrol pumps, LPG gas offices and distribution centres shall remain open.

Print, electronic media and social media, MSOs and cable operators shall remain open.

SEBI regulated and notified market entities shall remain open.

All outdoor activities including movement except for essential services will be prohibited from 9 pm to 5 am.