The Bengal government ordered the shut down of a number of public places, including shopping complexes and malls, cinemas, bars and sports complexs, in the wake of rising Covid cases in the state.

As per an order signed by chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, restaurants, beauty parlours, spas, gyms and swimming pools would also be closed. While pharmacies, medical equipment shops and groceries have been exempted from the closure order, markets will be allowed to remain open twice a day from 7am to 10am in the morning and 3pm to 5pm in the afternoon.

The government has also ordered a clampdown on any gathering for social, academic, entertainment or cultural purposes.

The order, the chief seceratary noted, would come into effect and from Friday evening and continue for an indefinite period.

The decision was taken following an advisory from the Union health ministry that reached Nabanna on Thursday.

The restrictions come in the wake of rising Covid cases in the state amid acute paucity of hospital beds and medico-technical support for patients.

Till Thursday evening, Bengal had recorded 17, 403 fresh cases, and 89 deaths.

For over two months, with the eight-phase Assembly polls on, there were no attempts to prevent large gatherings in Calcutta and the districts. While Covid cases spiked nationally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gloated over “unprecedented crowds” in an election campaign meeting in Asansol.

For Sunday’s counting of votes, the Election Commission has already banned victory rallies across the state. This apart, candidates, their agents and even media personnel would not be allowed entry to counting centres without a Covid “negative” report.

On Friday, ITC helped the Medica Hospital set up a 200-bed Covid hospital at Jadavpur’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan. This apart, AMRI Hospitals is starting a 50-bed safe home at the Salt Lake Stadium which is likely to be operational from Tuesday.