Kolkata: After more than six months of closure due to Covid-19 outbreak, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the cinema halls and open-air theatres can reopen from October 1 with a maximum crowd of 50 people. Mamata also said that the jatras along with all the musical, dance, recital and magic shows will be allowed to reopen.
Mamata took to her official Twitter account to announce the news and said, "To return to normalcy, Jatras, Plays, OATs, Cinemas & all musical, dance, recital & magic shows shall be allowed to function with 50 participants or less from 1 Oct, subject to adherence to physical distancing norms, wearing of masks & compliance to precautionary protocols."
West Bengal has so far reported a total of 2,44,240 coronavirus infections, of which, 25,544 are still active. The state has also witnessed 4,721 COVID-19 related deaths, which is up by 56 from September 25. The capital Kolkata has been the worst-hit city that has a total of 53,816 infections and 4,925 cases are still active. Kolkata is followed by North 24 Parganas (48,876), Howrah (17,561) and South 24 Parganas (16,445). The state government's health bulletin said that they have tested 30,55,039 Covid-19 samples to date and the total number of hospitals dedicated for treating Covid-19 across the state stands at 92.
Aid for Durga Puja committees
Meanwhile, the Mamata government announced that Rs 50,000 will be given to 28,000 Durga Puja committees in West Bengal. The amount has been doubled from the last year's Rs 25,000. Making this announcement, Mamata advised people to take precautions while visiting Durga puja pandals amid the pandemic. She directed that pandals need to be open from all four sides, adding "Hand sanitizers should be placed at entry points of pandals, and the wearing of masks to be mandatory. Physical distancing needs to be maintained."
Mamata said, "I am requesting all to keep Durga puja pandal open and spacious. If sides are covered, then keep the roof open. If the roof is closed, then keep sides open. Also, maintain physical distancing. People visiting the pandal must wear the mask. Keep more volunteers to ensure Covid protocols are being maintained," Mamata said, adding that cultural programme won't be allowed at pandals.
