WB extends lockdown in containment zones

The West Bengal government on Monday extended the Covid-19 lockdown by another month in the containment zones of the state while allowing the metro services to resume from September 8. State chief secretary Rajiva Sinha said in an order, “Now, in consideration of the current Covid-19 situation, lockdown in containment zones stands extended up to 30 Sept..” (sic)

Schools, ICDS centers, colleges, educational, training and coaching institutions, cinema halls, swimming pool, entertainment parks and theatres would remain closed till September 30. However, outside the containment zones, metro rail in a “graded manner” will be allowed from September 8 with necessary permission from local authorities. The number of total lockdown days: three (Sept. 7, 11 and 12) remain unchanged.

The state government also directed it’s universities to complete their final semester examinations between October 1 and 18. The decision was taken at a virtual meeting between the vice-chancellors and education minister Partha Chatterjee in view of a Supreme Court order on August 28.

The top court ruled that the states and universities can not promote students without holding the final-year examinations by September 30, providing a window that a state however can approach the University Grants Commission if it fails.

Meanwhile, another WBCS officer died of

Covid-19.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “Grieved to know about the untimely demise of Krishna Chandra Das, who was posted as BDO Nowda in Murshidabad. A dedicated WBCS(Exe) Officer, Das was at forefront of our fight against

Covid-19 & displayed great sense of sincerity & commitment in his work during the pandemic.” She added, “I salute his leadership, & his supreme sacrifice for the people of #Bengal.” (sic)

SCHOOLS, ICDS centers, colleges, educational, training and coaching institutions, cinema halls, swimming pool, entertainment parks and theatres would remain closed till September 30.