Deserted roads, flyovers mark third day of biweekly lockdown in Kolkata

Residents of West Bengal woke up to empty roads and deserted public places on Wednesday as a complete lockdown was enforced across the state to break the chain of surging coronavirus cases.

All public transport, government and private offices, banks and other commercial establishments, barring those dealing with essential services, remained closed as the biweekly strict restrictions were enforced. In picture, Jessore Road, which is a connecting link between India and Bangladesh. Also the busiest road in North 24 Parganas.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier announced an extension of the biweekly lockdown till August 31. Besides, the lockdown in containment zones had also been extended till August 31. Many people were out on the streets in the morning breaking the lockdown rules. The number of people on the streets decreased around afternoon under the strict surveillance of the police on Wednesday at Barasat, North 24 Pargana.

Exceptions have been made for religious festivals and national holidays such as Bakri Eid, Rakhshabandhan, and Independence Day. “We will not do any lockdown this week because of Bakri Eid. We want the minorities to cooperate and avoid any gatherings. I request them all to celebrate indoors,” Mamata Banerjee said.

The state government’s move comes after it had admitted to community transmission of the coronavirus in some areas of the state. During the lockdown, all government and private offices, commercial establishments, public and private transport will remain closed.

Only movement related to health services, pharmacies, police stations, courts, correctional services, fire and emergency services, electricity, water and other utility services will be allowed. Essential services like medicine shops and health establishments remained open as these were kept out of the purview of the complete shutdown. Petrol pumps are also allowed to remain open on the lockdown days.

The death toll due to COVID-19 in West Bengal rose to 1,449 on Tuesday as 38 more people succumbed to the disease, as per a state health department bulletin. A total of 2,134 fresh cases pushed the state's tally to 62,964, it said