Bengal government orders closure of shopping malls, restaurants amid rising cases of COVID-19

Bengal government orders closure of shopping malls, restaurants amid rising cases of COVID-19

Hummingbird News Desk

KOLKATA, 30 APRIL: On a day when West Bengal breached the 17 thousands mark in daily cases with the deaths reaching near to one hundred, the state government on Friday imposed restriction and ordered shutdown of all shopping malls, beauty parlours, restaurants, bars, sports complexes, gyms, spas and swimming pools in the state with immediate effect until further orders.

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According to the order, all forms of social, cultural, academic, entertainment-related gatherings and congregations have been prohibited in the state for the time being.

Bazaars, market places will be allowed to operate twice every day — from 7 am-10 am and 3 pm-5 pm.

Activities related to the electoral counting processes and victory rallies will be guided by the Election Commission protocols, the order said.

Medical shops, medical equipment outlets, grocery stores, along with home delivery services, have been kept out of the order’s purview.

Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other legal provisions as applicable.

Meanwhile, the state government has also clarified that the vaccination drive for those between 18 to 44 years of age will begin as and when the State receives the vaccine doses. Vaccination of those above 45 years will continue.

The counting of votes will take place on 2 May and the state government order said that electoral counting and other related activities will continue as per directives of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The government has also appealed to political parties to avoid unnecessary gathering around counting halls. 

Any violation of these orders will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of the DM Act 2005 and besides, legal actions under IPC and other laws of the land will be applicable,” the order signed by the Chief Secretary said. 

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