Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the West Bengal government has imposed stricter restrictions in the state until further orders. It has shut down public places, including shopping malls, restaurants, beauty parlours and gyms, and prohibited all social, cultural, academic and entertainment-related gatherings.

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“All shopping malls, restaurants, beauty parlours, gyms, spas, and swimming pools will remain closed. All social, cultural, academic and entertainment-related gatherings and congregations shall remain prohibited,” the order reads.

Bazars and marketplaces in Bengal will operate from 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 5 pm while home deliveries will be permitted. As per the order, essential services such as medical shops, medical equipment outlets and grocery stores have been kept out of the purview.

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The state is awaiting the result of assembly elections, polling for which was conducted in eight phases, starting from March 27. The votes will be counted on Sunday, May 2.

According to the order, all activities related to the electoral processes and victory rallies will be guided by the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India. 

West Bengal on Thursday registered its highest single-day deaths of 89 people due to COVID-19, pushing the toll to 11,248, the health department said.

The coronavirus tally topped the 8-lakh-mark to settle at 8,10,955 after 17,403 tested positive in the last 24 hours, it said.