Rising numbers of Covid-19 cases prompted Bolpur municipality authorities on Saturday to issue an order closing all business establishments and shops other than emergency services from 2pm every day.

The order will come into effect from Sunday and continue till January 15.

Officials said that after a meeting with district administration, the municipal authorities issued the order and they would be seeking the help of local residents till the situation was brought under control.

Bidhan Ray, Birbhum district magistrate, said similar steps could be extended to the rest of the district depending on the number of infections.

“The decision to close markets and shops has been taken in light of the increasing trend of Covid. We may go for similar measures in other places, mainly town areas,” said Ray.

Birbhum reported 659 infections on Saturday as the number of active cases in the town surpassed 400.