Kolkata: Over 1,500 arrested for defying total lockdown

While the state governments have taken several decisions to bring down the number of cases in India, they are not getting the kind of support expected from citizens – many of whom have been disobeying the guidelines. Kolkata, which is observing bi-weekly lockdown till August 31, has seen a rise in the number of locals flouting the rules.

As per the latest data, over 1500 people have been arrested in the state for disobeying the guidelines. While At least 1,054 people were held for violating restriction orders, while 497 others were prosecuted for not wearing masks, a police officer said. Also, around 38 people were apprehended for spitting in public. The police also impounded 44 vehicles.

On Wednesday, West Bengal observed a near-total lockdown as it recorded 2294 new cases of COVID-19 patients. The total tally has now gone past 65, 000. The active cases in the state now stand at 19, 652.

The death toll increased to 1, 490 with 41 more deaths reported on Wednesday. 

The death toll from the pandemic rose to 1,490, with 41 more deaths reported on Wednesday. Kolkata recorded 17 of the 41 deaths, followed by nine in North 24 Parganas, five in South 24 Parganas and four in Howrah.

Kolkata reported most of the new cases with 778 people testing positive for COVID-19, followed by North 24 Parganas (462), South 24 Parganas (178), Howrah (145) and Hooghly (128), it said.

So far, 42,022 people have recovered in the state. The discharge rate further improved to 66.74 percent with the latest recoveries.

Among the new deaths was a nurse of the state-run SSKM Hospital, Health Department sources said.

Priyanka Mondal (33) was diagnosed with the coronavirus infection a week ago and was shifted to the Beliaghata ID Hospital for treatment.