Too Little, Too Late? West Bengal Finally Imposes COVID Restrictions

Kolkata: Most seriously-affected states, which have been struggling to cope with spiralling coronavirus cases in the alarming second wave of the pandemic, announced lockdown or severe curbs quite some time ago.

West Bengal hadn’t, despite a massive spike in COVID cases over the past few weeks. Simply because a high-pitched state assembly election was underway – over a period of 34 days and eight phases.

A day after the final round of polling was completed, the state government on Friday finally imposed COVID-19 restrictions with immediate effect.

As per the order issued by the Chief Secretary this evening, shopping complexes, malls, beauty parlours, cinema halls, restaurants and bars, gyms and sports complexes will remain closed. Markets and haats will remain open from 7-10 am and 3-5 pm, till further orders.

All essential and emergency services will be operational.

All activities related to electoral counting on May 2 and post announcement of results will be as per guidelines already issued by Election Commission of India, the order stated.