Kolkata, June 15 (TIWN) Though there has been a sharp fall in the number of fresh Covid cases in West Bengal, the state government on Monday decided to extend the lockdown for another 15 days till July 1, with some relaxations to give a boost to economic activities.

Both government and private offices can reopen, with a cap of 25 percent imposed on staff strength. In private/corporate offices, the timings have been restricted from 10 am to 4 pm, and the attendees would be required to apply for e-pass.  The state government has also extended the timings of restaurants and bars, allowing them to operate from 12 pm to 8 pm with a 50 percent seating capacity. As per the previous order, the restaurants were allowed to operate only from 5 pm to 8 pm.  The relaxation in curbs, which will come into effect from June 15, was announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in view of the declining positivity rate and active caseload.  Parks and gardens would remain open only between 6 am to 9 am for morning walks. However, only those citizens would be permitted to enter who have been vaccinated, the government reportedly said.

Bazaars and markets would remain open between 7 am and 11am, whereas, other other retail shops are permitted to operate from 11 am to 6 pm.  The movement of individuals for non-essential purpose would continue to remain barred. All intra-state buses/waterways/trains will remain suspended, whereas, private vehicles/cabs would only function for emergency or essential services.  From 9 pm to 5 am, the movement of individuals and all outdoor activities would be completely prohibited, the government said.  All educational institutions including schools, colleges and coaching classes will remain shut till further orders. For weddings, the cap of 50 guests would continue to remain imposed.