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West Bengal relaxes Covid curbs, allows gyms, jatras with restrictions
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/19/2022 12:43:08 PM
Kolkata, Jan 18 The West Bengal government announced certain relaxations of Covid curbs in the state on Monday. In a relaxed order, the state government has allowed gyms to reopen with 50 per cent capacity, which were closed for nearly two weeks following the coronavirus- induced curbs. The Mamata Banerjee government has also permitted the holding of jatras (traditional theatres), outside shooting of films and television programmes on some conditions, reported PTI. According to an official order, the gyms in the state can operate at 50 per cent capacity in any given time till 9 pm. The staff and users must be fully vaccinated or must carry a negative RT-PCR report, according to a PTI report. Jatra has also been allowed in the state in a restricted manner, with 50 per cent capacity in an outdoor venue till 9 pm. If a jatra is being held in an indoor venue, then a maximum of 200 people or 50 per cent of the capacity can attend the programme, whichever is lower. The permission for outdoor shooting of films or TV programmes has also been given with adherence to physical distancing and appropriate Covid protocols. Despite extending the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions till January 31, the West Bengal government on Saturday allowed fairs on open grounds in a restricted manner with strict adherence to Covid safety norms. Hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym owners and physical trainers had been protesting on the streets over the past two weeks, demanding reopening of gyms with restrictions. After the government allowed gyms to be operated at 50 per cent capacity, the owners welcomed the move and thanked the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for extending her support to the Bengal fitness industry. "The decision has given a fresh lease of life to more than 5,000 gym owners and over 5 lakh people who are associated with the training industry. We promise to stick by all stipulations.