Coronavirus pandemic: Rise in Bengal cases ....The government has asked people to 'completely avoid social gatherings', warning of legal action in case of violations

Lesser vehicles are seen at five point Park Circus crossing (one of the busiest crossing of the city) in the wake of coronavirus pandemic,in Calcutta, Saturday, March 21, 2020. (PTI)

Debraj Mitra, TT, 22.03.20, Calcutta: On a day the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases doubled to four in Calcutta and a 57-year-old patient was found without a travel history, the Bengal government ordered the closure of hospitality hubs and advised complete avoidance of social gatherings.

All restaurants, bars, clubs, nightclubs, massage parlours, hookah bars, amusement parks, museums and zoos have been asked to close till March 31 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The government has asked people to “completely avoid social gatherings”, warning of legal action in case of violations.

Bengal on Saturday reported two more Covid-19 patients, a Dum Dum resident without any travel history and a young woman who had just returned from Scotland.

“In order to check non-essential social gathering which leads to spread of the virus from infected person to healthy person... it is ordered to shut all restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, nightclubs, hookah bars, massage parlours, amusement parks, museums, zoos with effect from 0600 hours of 22. 3. 2020,” said the notice issued by the home and hill affairs department on Saturday afternoon.

“It is also ordered that all gatherings, including social gatherings, should be avoided completely. In such cases also, the gathering should be reduced to the bare minimum to be kept very little so as to ensure proper social distancing. Strict legal action will be taken in case of any violation. This order will remain in force till 31st March.”

While public places like Science City, Victoria Memorial and Alipore Zoo had closed a week ago, Saturday’s order effectively shuts down all eateries, watering holes, clubs and spas.

“A massive awareness media campaign has also been undertaken to inform the general public about the preventive steps to be taken to avoid spread of the infection. However, social gatherings which facilitate the spread of the virus remain an area of concern,” the notice acknowledged.

There was no mention of takeaway services in the government notice. Some owners said takeaway and online delivery would continue. “Dine-in at our outlets is off. But delivery and takeaway will be available,” said Sagar Daryani, co-founder and CEO of Wow! Momo.