Rising Covid-19 cases prompted the Malda district administration to draw up fresh plans to prevent the infection from spreading in Malda town and across the district.

In Malda, 25 new Covid-19 cases were reported on Sunday, taking the number of infections to 584 in the district.

On Sunday, senior officials of the district administration held a meeting with the police, health officials, and representatives of civic and trade bodies for a number of decisions to stop people from crowding.

“It was decided that no roadside food stalls will be allowed to run from June 30. It has come to our notice that some of these stalls remain open till 11pm and people throng these stalls without social distance. Business hours of main markets will be curtailed,” said a senior official.

Vegetable and fish markets would stay open till 10am and all other shops till 3pm, he added. Six special teams — three each for Englishbazar and Old Malda Municipality will monitor the situation.

Malda apart, 26 persons tested positive for Covid-19 in Darjeeling district on Sunday, nine in South Dinajpur, four in Cooch Behar and three in Jalpaiguri.