Mamta says to follow protocols during Puja

Sandeep Mitra

Kolkata: The honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamta Banerjee says that the state has already entered the community spread stage. She urges people to strictly follow regulations during festive days. After a cabinet meeting, she spoke to the media. She said, “instances of the virus becoming airborne and community spread have been reported in the state”. “I cannot ask people not to go out but I request you all not to go out shopping, many go out during this time for Puja celebrations”. Mamta Banerjee urges people to wear thick masks while visiting puja pandals.

In the month of September, the West Bengal government had issued a notification directing Durga Puja committees to follow safety protocols. They have asked to set up open pandals where devotees can only enter when they are wearing proper masks and must apply hand sanitizer.

“Pandals shall have to be spacious and should be kept open from all sides. If in case it becomes essential to have closed ceiling, the sides will have to be kept open and if the sides have to be blocked, the ceiling has to be kept open,” the notification signed by Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said.

Cultural programs in or near the puja pandal premises are strictly not allowed, according to the notification.

Around 34,437 and 2,509 community Durga Pujas are organized under the jurisdiction of West Bengal police and Kolkata Police respectively.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay said that measures are being taken to bring down the cost of treatment.