The Bengal government has offered relaxations to Covid restrictions such as permitting up to 200 people at a time to attend a wedding and related events and allowing open-air fairs.

The government extended the general restrictions imposed on January 3 till at least January 31. Since the sharp uptick in Covid cases, not more than 50 people were being allowed at weddings.

“Marriage-related functions shall be allowed with a maximum of 200 people at a time or 50 per cent seating capacity of the hall /venue, whichever is lower.… Mela/fair may be allowed in open-air venues in a very restricted manner, following Covid appropriate discipline and protocols,” reads an order issued by the chief secretary on Saturday.

Sources said the government had been flooded with requests to allow more people at marriages and related events as the wedding season had begun and many had invited relatives before the stricter restrictions came into force.

The official said the government allowed fairs to ensure that the rural economy did not suffer.

“This is the time of year when several fairs are held in the districts. These fairs help local artisans and traders earn their livelihood,” the official said.