Bengal extends COVID 19 restrictions till Jan. 31; relaxes curbs on fairs, weddings

Salons and parlours had already been permitted to operate with 50 per cent capacity earlier

MY KOLKATA & PTI |  TT  |  15.01.22: The West Bengal government on Saturday extended the ongoing COVID 19 restrictions in the state till January 31 and also introduced a couple of relaxations to the ongoing curbs. 

According to an official order issued from Nabanna on Saturday, marriage functions with a maximum of 200 attendees or 50 per cent of the venue's capacity shall be permitted from Sunday onwards.

"Mela / fair may be allowed in open air venue in a very restricted manner, following COVID appropriate discipline and protocols." the order further read.

Salons and parlours had already been permitted to operate with 50 per cent capacity earlier.

The Bengal government introduced a slew of restrictions earlier this month amid a rampant surge in Covid numbers in the state.

As part of the ongoing restrictions, all educational institutes, gymnasiums and swimming pools are shut.

All outdoor activities including the movement of people and vehicles remain suspended between 10pm and 5am except for health, law and order, transport of essential commodities including agricultural produce, and other emergency services.

The order asked district administrations, police and local authorities to ensure strict compliance with the directives.

The Mamata Banerjee government has extended Covid -19 restrictions till January 31; allowed fairs on open grounds in very restricted manner with adherence to safety norms: Official order

The government has permitted marriage events to be held with a maximum of 200 people or 50 per cent of the venue's capacity - whichever is lesser, the official order revealed. Furthermore, fairs have also been allowed on open grounds with rigid restrictions in order to maintain adherence to safety norms, adds hindustantimes.com.

The order was issued by Bengal chief secretary HK Dwivedi. It has directed police, local authorities and district administrations to make sure strict compliance with the norms are followed.

The state government in its fresh order stated that the decision to extend Covid-related restrictions has been made in view of the Omicron variant of the virus. India has detected 6,041 Omicron cases so far.