Covid-19 lockdown: Mamata government opens factories, tea, paan shops in green zones, says no to adda

The West Bengal government announced a slew of relaxations in the Covid-19 lockdown on Wednesday, especially for small shops, factories, and construction activities in the green zones of the state.

Holding a press conference, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "We want clear directions from the center over Covid-19 lockdown... I request everyone to please stay indoors. "

"Nobody can say when this crisis will end. Most of the countries have already announced the lockdown till the end of May and the first week of June. Our experts and doctors believe that the restrictions regarding Covid-19 should continue till the end of May," she added.

As per the new guidelines, single-unit shops such as stationery shops, color shops, electronics, hardware, mobile, laundry, tea, and paan shops will be allowed to open in green zones in the state from May 1. However, Mamata Banerjee warned people that while tea shops will open, people will not be allowed to gather there.

Other than small shops, factories, and construction activities will also be allowed to resume work in green zones, provided all health protocols are followed.

"All such relaxations won't be applicable in containment zones," Mamata Banerjee added.

The West Bengal chief secretary informed that all lockdown relaxations will only be applicable from May 1, after a notification from the state government.

Mamata Banerjee also announced that West Bengal will be bringing back students from Kota in Rajasthan. "Around 2,500 to 3,000 students from Rajasthan's Kota will board buses today evening. It will take 3 days for them to reach here," she said.

On Wednesday, the number of active Covid-19 in West Bengal rose to 550, according to the Mamata Banerjee government. However, data compiled by the Union Health Ministry suggested that the number of active coronavirus cases in the eastern state stands at 584 with 119 recoveries and 22 deaths.