West Bengal allows gyms, jatra, shoots with curbs in place | Kolkata News – Times of India

KOLKATA: In a reviewed relaxation order on Monday, gyms, which were shut for more than two weeks following the state’s Covid restrictions, have been allowed to reopen with 50% of the capacity till 9pm, provided the staff and members are vaccinated and Covid negative.
Outdoor shooting of films and television programmes, along with public performances like jatra, have also been allowed with restrictions.
“There is a big difference between working out at home and sweating it out at the gym. I am glad gyms are reopening as I had just started getting back in shape and didn’t want to lose it again – something that happened during the first wave when gyms stayed shut for several months. I will hit the gym from Tuesday itself,” said Souvick Basu, a techie and fitness enthusiast.
Gym owners and trainers welcomed the decision. They had been demonstrating on the streets for several days over the last two weeks, demanding reopening of gyms with necessary restrictions.
“We sincerely thank the chief minister and the state officials for extending their support to the Bengal fitness industry. More than 5,000 gym owners and over 5 lakh others associated with the industry have got a fresh lease of life because of this allowance. We promise to stick to all stipulations mentioned by the state and maintain utmost sanitisation and safety measures at the gyms,” said Gagan Sachdeva of Gym Owners’ Forum in Bengal.
For Tollywood models and actors, the relaxation meant they could get back to their fitness schedules as well as work engagements from this week. “This is great news for me. I spend at least two hours daily at the gym. Of course, we will maintain health protocol at the gyms. In my profession, I need to take care of my fitness. Opening gyms was a much-needed decision,” said actor Oindrila Sen.
Director Saibal said, “Viewers were getting tired of watching serials set within the four walls of the studios. Now, we can easily plan our shootings outside. Three of my current serials will have outdoor shootings soon.”
Producer Rana Sarkar was considering a shooting schedule for a commercial film with Rahul Mukherjee in Purulia. “But I couldn’t proceed in the absence of a notification on outdoor shooting. Now, all things will fall into place,” Sarkar said.
Jatra, too, has been allowed in a restricted manner with 50% capacity in an outdoor venue till 9pm. The notification has also allowed jatra in case of an indoor venue with a maximum of 200 people or 50% of the capacity, whichever is lower. Subir Chatterjee, VP of Paschim Banga Jatra Samellan, said, “This new notification has come as a breath of fresh air. Our actors and promoters are calling us up. The first show for my Rupmanjari Opera will be held at Ranigunj on February 5 and I have regular shows till February 10.”