No more lockdown for West Bengal: Mamata says offices can reopen with 100% attendance from June 8

West Bengal is limping back to normalcy, or at least, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants her state to get back on it’s feet as India continues to be under a lockdown with relaxations given.

However, West Bengal wants to ease in relaxations in the state despite the aftermath of cyclone Amphan and the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus -- with more than 4500 cases recorded till date.

This was clear from the announcements made in the administrative meeting on Friday where the Chief Minister announced that government, private and public sector companies to work with 100% workforce from the 8^th of June. Schools however will remain closed for the whole of June.

This will be a challenge for the state administration that will have to grapple with the increase in cases and prevent a collapse of the healthcare system. Also, public transport, particularly buses which allows not more than 20 passengers will now be allowed to take in more people to prevent significant monetary losses.

Not just this, Banerjee has also announced that places of worship will reopen from the 1^st of June.

“I appeal that all temples, gurudwaras, mosques and churches will be open from the 1^st of June 10 am onward. Only 10 people will be allowed at a time and no big events or an assembly can take place. Sanitisation should be taken care of,” said Banerjee.

The challenge of migrant workers coming back to their homes in West Bengal is a challenge that the state administration has to deal with too, to curb the rise in cases.

“Why are the Railways not maintaining social distancing norms? Are they in the name of Shramik express operating the corona express? Why are they not increasing the number of trains? I was Railway Minister, they should not teach me. They don’t give food or water. The state government is paying for the tickets. You are stuffing thousands in trains,” said Mamata while expressing her anger at the Railways which comes under the Central government.

The Chief Minister has said that people coming from other states will be kept in quarantine centres in schools and will be tested for COVID-19. If they test negative, they will be allowed to go home else they will be quarantined.