Even as parts of Bengal go to its second phase of lockdown in 10 districts from 5 pm on Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned the “lax” citizens against the severity of corona virus directing the police to take strong measures who do not follow the protocols.
The State Government has decided to enforce strict lockdown procedures in the containment zones which together with the buffer zones would henceforward be regarded as containment zones.
“It is scaring to see that many people, more so among the upper section of the society are not adhering to the protocols of physical-distancing and use of masks… We do not ask the citizens to get panicked but at the same time utmost caution has to be exercised or otherwise you will end up not only infecting you but also your relatives,” the Chief Minister who on Wednesday directed the police administration to take stern measures said.
Banerjee has asked the police to send the people back home who do not wear masks, Home Department sources said adding denying reports that the Government was contemplating imposing fines on the “wayward citizens.”
Initially the renewed lockdown --- excluding essential services --- will be imposed for one week. “After that we will decide on future course of action doing further evaluation,” she said.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation administrator and Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim said the “KMC is keeping a strong vigil on the affected premises and the people have been asked to stay indoors. “On whether the non-infected people will be allowed to go to their offices or regular business he said “they will not be stopped but only be asked to maintain caution.”
Among the districts where partial lockdown has been re-imposed at Malda, North Dinajpur, Hooghly, Purulia, Bankura, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly.
Meanwhile at least 50 members of newly formed “corona warriors’ club” from Behrampore have arrived in Kolkata to serve and help corona patients. This club has been formed by the State Government and comprises the cured patients.
They will be paid an allowance of Rs 15,000 per month and will work both inside and outside the corona wards.
Elsewhere in order to contain the corona crisis the autonomous Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has issued a circular prohibiting entry of tourists in Darjeeling Hills. The order will continue to till July 31.
A prominent tourist destination of Bengal Darjeeling, has remained closed since March 19.
The order issued by GTA chairman Anit Thapa also appeals to clubs and other institutions within the district to refrain from holding any events, which require large gatherings of people and also maintain social distancing.