The West Bengal government declared on Saturday (August 14) that all stores and business establishments, including pubs and restaurants, will be open till regular work hours, but not later than 10.30 p.m.
From Monday onwards, the restriction will be in effect. According to news agency PTI, the state administration extended existing COVID restrictions until August 31 but reduced night curfew timings by two hours, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
It allowed government programmes to happen outside while following to COVID guidelines. Theatres, auditoriums, and open-air theatres were also allowed to function with no more than 50% of their respective seating capacities, according to the state administration.
The decree specified that “stadiums and swimming pools may remain open with 50% of their respective at a time.”
On Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the extension of COVID restrictions as well as the relaxing of night curfews.
Following a study of the current situation by the executive committee of the state disaster management authority, a decision was made in this regard.
Meanwhile, the state’s COVID-19 tally rose to 15,37,185 as 739 more people tested positive for the infection, while eight fresh fatalities pushed its coronavirus death toll to 18,276, a health bulletin said.
North 24 Parganas district recorded the highest number of new cases at 89, followed by 88 in Kolkata. North 24 Parganas also registered the highest number of fresh fatalities at four, followed by three in Kolkata.
