West Bengal Extends COVID-19 Curbs Till August 31. Here's What Is Allowed

Coronavirus: Night restrictions in Bengal have been eased in West Bengal amid declining number of COVID-19 cases.

Cinema halls and swimming pools in West Bengal can operate at 50 per cent capacity from Sunday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced today, as the state extended COVID-19 restrictions till August 31, with some relaxations. Night restrictions in Bengal have also been eased amid declining number of COVID-19 cases. Earlier, the night curfew in the state was imposed between 9 pm to 5 am, which will now be in place from 11 pm to 5 am. Along with this, the government has also eased traffic restrictions in the state, allowing traffic to ply during the new night curfew. Earlier, traffic was prohibited from 9pm in a bid to curb the spread of the infection. Additionally, the government also announced that local trains will not be allowed to operate till August 31 in the state, adding that these trains will only be functional after the target of 50 per cent vaccination is achieved in the state. Addressing a press conference, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "We will run local trains as soon as we are able to complete 50% vaccinations in state."