The West Bengal government has extended the biweekly lockdown till August 31, 2020.

The biweekly lockdown was extended till August 31 in West Bengal, except for the dates coinciding with festivals and a national holiday.

The biweekly lockdown was extended till August 31 in West Bengal, except for the dates coinciding with festivals and a national holiday.In a bid to suppress the rising COVID-19 cases in the state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressing the media in Nabanna announced the extension of the lockdown. The lockdown in containment zones have also extended till August 31. Schools and colleges would remain closed till August 31, but if the situation improves, then, from September 5, they could be operational on alternate days, the CM added.

Hours after announcing a state-wide biweekly lockdown till August 31, the West Bengal government withdrew the order for August 2 and August 9 following appeals on lifting restrictions on dates coinciding with festivals and important community occasions. Exceptions are in place for religious festivals and national holidays such as Bakri Eid, Rakhshabandhan, and Independence Day. The government requested the minorities to cooperate, avoid any gatherings, and celebrate indoors.

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