West Bengal Government on Tuesday announced that it has decided to impose "strict" lockdown in the containment zones from tomorrow for seven days. The order comes amid the rising novel coronavirus cases in the state.

The stricter lockdown in containment will begin from 5 pm on 9 July till 16 July in order to curb the rising novel coronavirus cases in the states.

Issuing a notification, the state government said the private and government offices in Containment Zones and Buffer Zones will remain shut. However, it allowed the essential services to run as usual in these zones.

The West Bengal government also suspended transport services in these zones across the state. It said the relaxations will be given only in Green Zones.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee took stock of the rising virus cases in the state and said, "Police need to be strict, if people don't wear masks they will be sent home. Lockdown will be implemented in these areas for 7 days."