The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has divided all the containment zones across the state into three different categories as the nationwide lockdown to fight the Covid-19 pandemic entered its fourth phase from Monday.
The West Bengal Chief Minister said that the containment zones would be defined as Zone A, B and C. While Zone A will be identified as 'Affected Zone' (total lockdown), Zone B will be known as 'Buffer Zone' (with some particular relaxations) and Zone C will remain 'Clean' (with all relaxations).
Issuing the fresh guidelines for lockdown 4.0, Banerjee said that after May 21, all big and small shops would be allowed to open, except for those in the containment zones.
"Shopkeepers and customers will have to abide by the social distancing guidelines. Sanitisation is a must. The state government has made wearing of masks and gloves compulsory for all shopkeepers and hawkers," she said, adding that senior state government officials are looking into the aspect if hawkers can reopen their stalls on alternative days in the fourth phase of lockdown.
Banerjee also said that no restaurant would be allowed to open now, while hotels can be opened maintaining all social distancing norms.
"Games can begin with no spectators. As far as autos are concerned, they can ply with only two passengers. Saloon and beauty parlours can be opened strictly maintaining the social distancing guidelines. All the tools at the saloon, beauty parlours must be sterilised before using," Banerjee said, adding that buses will ply on roads from May 21 onwards.
"The Central government has announced a curfew between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. But we are not saying it's curfew as it is mainly used during communal tensions. But yes, the lockdown will continue and there will be strict restriction between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. We urge people to follow the lockdown measures. If anyone is seen flouting them, strict action will be taken against the violator," she said, appealing the opposition parties not to resort to politics at this time Covid-19 crisis.
( With inputs from IANS )