Amid the concerns of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant, the State Executive Committee of West Bengal has recommended the continuation of existing restrictions and protocols. Given the Omicron situation, West Bengal has imposed a series of fresh curbs under which all schools and colleges will once again shut their gates. Moreover, shopping malls, market complexes, restaurants, and bars will be allowed to operate in 50 percent of their total capacity.
According to the latest order by the Government of West Bengal, all outdoor activities including vehicle movement will remain prohibited between 11 PM and 5 AM. Heath services, law and order and other essential services will not be included in the prohibition. Also, people must wear masks, maintain physical distancing and follow hygiene protocols at all times, as per the order. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is also making arrangements to deliver home-cooked meals to COVID patients quarantined at home.
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Restrictions In West Bengal Had Extended Till December 15
The order by the Government of West Bengal reads, “Accordingly, in terms of the provisions under Disaster Management Act 2005 read with West Bengal Epidemic Disease, COVID-19 Regulations 2020, and in continuation of earlier orders, restriction and relaxation measures as already in force vide aforesaid orders stand extended up to 15/12/2021. All outdoor activities including movement of people and vehicles shall continue to be prohibited between 11 PM to 5 AM except for health services, law and order, essential commodities including agricultural produce and other emergency services.”
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The Order Speaks About COVID Appropriate Norms In Workplaces
“Employees/management bodies/owners/supervisors of all offices, establishments and workplaces shall be responsible for the provisioning of all COVID safety measures including regular sanitisation of workplaces, vaccination of employees and for compliance of stated directives and COVID appropriate norms.”, states the order. Meanwhile, all international travellers arriving in India from at-risk countries need to undergo COVID-19 testing at the airport. Those testing negative must undergo a quarantine of 7 days. Omicron cases have been detected in several countries, including South Africa, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, the UK, Italy, Austria, Botswana, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong and more.