2-day weekly lockdown in Bengal; community transmission in few areas
The West Bengal government on Monday (July 20) announced complete lockdown across the state for two days every week, stating that community transmission of COVID-19 has been detected in a few areas of the state.
The West Bengal government on Monday (July 20) announced complete lockdown across the state for two days every week, stating that community transmission of COVID-19 has been detected in a few areas of the state.
The decision was taken following a high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at the state secretariat, said Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
“There are a few places in the state where community transmission of COVID-19 has been detected. After talking to experts, doctors, enforcement authorities, and the police, we have decided to impose complete lockdown for two days every week in the entire state to break the chain (of transmission),” he told reporters at the secretariat.
The state home secretary said that complete lockdown will be in force across West Bengal on Thursday and Saturday this week. On those two days, all offices, transport services will be shut down, Bandyopadhyay added.
Related news:Â Kolkata hospitals report incidents of negligence despite govt warning
“This week, the total lockdown will be in force on Thursday and Saturday. Next week, the shutdown will be clamped on Wednesday (July 29),” the home secretary said, adding that a review meeting will be held next Monday for further discussions on the matter.
West Bengal has so far reported a total of 42,487 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1,112 deaths, as per its daily bulletin on Sunday. It reported 2,278 new cases in 24 hours until 9 am on July 19, which was the state’s highest single-day tally so far.
(With inputs from agencies)
