West Bengal govt extends COVID-19 restrictions till September 15, check details

In an order, the state government said that the night curfew will also remain in place.

File Photo (IANS)

New Delhi: The West Bengal government on Saturday (August 28, 2021) extended COVID-19 restrictions till September 15. The state government also said that the night curfew will remain in place between 11 PM and 5 AM.

As per the latest order, that will come into effect from September 1, coaching centres for competitive exams can now open with 50 per cent capacity. Theatres and auditoriums can continue to function with 50 per cent strength. Stadiums and swimming pools can also keep functioning. 

The restrictions, first imposed in May due to the second wave of coronavirus, have been extended at regular intervals and were about to expire on August 31.

Earlier on August 26, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that the state is 'prepared to tackle the possible third wave' of the COVID-19 and that the priority for vaccination was being accorded to parents of children who are 12 years of age and below.

She had also stated that the state is likely to reopen schools after Durga Puja, which is scheduled for mid-October this year.

Meanwhile, West Bengal's COVID-19 tally rose to 15,46,237 on Friday as 703 more people tested positive, while eight fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death toll to 18,410. Kolkata, notably, recorded the highest number of new cases at 112, followed by North 24 Parganas at 88. West Bengal currently has 9,143 active coronavirus cases.

On the other hand, a total of 3,80,58,400 people have been inoculated in the state so far, including 4,38,782 on Friday.