A day after TMC legislator died of suspected COVID-19, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended the lockdown to curb coronavirus cases in the state till July 31. The decision was taken at an all-party meeting held yesterday. The movement of people across the state will remain curtailed between 9 pm and 5 am and all educational institutions in the state would be closed till July 31.
The chief minister said the resumption of public transport services has led to a surge in coronavirus infections. “There are high chances of further spike in cases,” she added. “Hence, please be careful and follow the guidelines.”
The chief minister also recommended capping the cost of treatment for coronavirus patients: “Maharashtra and Delhi have done it, we should too,” she said. “All parties demanded this cap (on treatment). This is not a time to do business. There is a pandemic, and hospitals must work in the spirit of service.”
However a few more relaxations to the existing lockdown rules was also announced wherein the state increased the number of people allowed in religious places, marriage functions and funerals from 10 to 25.