Bengal imposes lockdown from May 16 to 30; sees 20,846 cases

The West Bengal state government on Saturday announced a complete lockdown in the state between May 16 and May 30, exempting only emergency services. Essential services have been allowed with some restrictions.

All schools, colleges and anganwadi centres, government and private offices, and establishments, shopping complexes, malls, restaurants, salons, gyms, swimming pools, parks and zoos will remain closed for two weeks starting Sunday, the government said on Saturday.

Transport services, including Kolkata Metro, taxis and autos, will come to a halt, but vehicles can be used for essential services.


Petrol pumps will stay open and so will banks, although only between 10 am to 2 pm. Sweetmeat vendors will be allowed to function between 10 am and 5 pm while marketplaces can function from 7 am to 10 am.

Earlier this week, after taking oath as chief minister for her third term, Mamata Banerjee had said strict measures have been taken to control the spread of Covid-19 in the state. She had suggested a total lockdown, if imposed, will hamper the livelihood of people.

But the pandemic continued to spread. The state reported 20,846 cases and 136 Covid-19-related deaths on Friday. Five eminent doctors in Kolkata also succumbed to the virus.