Bengal Extends COVID-19 Lockdown Till July 15, Some Restrictions Eased

The West Bengal government has eased some restrictions and allowed auto-rickshaws and buses to operate with 50 per cent occupancy.

The West Bengal government today decided to extend the lockdown till July 15, but announced several relaxations in curbs imposed to control the spike in COVID-19 cases amid the second wave. The state continues to record more than the national growth rate of active Covid cases -- 21,884 active cases were reported on Sunday. The total coronavirus cases in Bengal rose to 14,94,949 on Sunday as 1,836 more people tested positive while 29 new deaths pushed the death count to 17,612 in the state. Easing the restrictions, the state government has now allowed auto-rickshaws and buses to operate with 50 per cent occupancy. However, drivers must be vaccinated and strict Covid protocols need to be followed, it said. Gyms and fitness centres have also been allowed to open with 50 per cent occupancy while beauty parlours can open with limited number of customers at a time.