PATNA: Bihar government on Tuesday decided to re-enforce many restrictions across the state in the wake of the recent spurt in the cases of covid-19.
The new curbs - including the night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, closure of all cinema halls, shopping malls, clubs, swimming pools, stadium, gyms, parks and gardens as well as closures of all religious places for common people – would come into effect from January 6 and remain enforced till January 21.
The decision on the new curbs were taken at the meeting of the high-powered crisis management group (CMG) chaired by CM Nitish Kumar and attended by all senior cabinet ministers and state’s all top bureaucrats.
Soon after the meeting, state’s chief secretary Amir Subhani issued a detailed notification regarding the new restrictions.
As per the notification, night curfew would be imposed across the state from 10 pm to 5 am. All religious places will remain closed for pilgrims and common visitors.
All the government and non-government offices will open only with 50% attendance. Entry of visitors will be completely prohibited in the government offices.
However, the officers related to the essential services like district administration, police, fire services, civil defense, health, animal health, electricity supply water supply, disaster management, treasury and its related offices in the finance department, telecommunication and post offices— will continue to work as usual.
“The Decision taken by the Patna high court will be effective in the matter of judicial administration,” the notification issued by Subhani reads.
All shops and business establishments would remain open only till 8 pm on all days of week. However, banks, insurance and the offices related to operation of ATMs will not come under the purview of the new curbs. Such offices would continue to work as usual.
Essential services like telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting and cable services, print and electronic media, petrol pumps. LPG, petroleum and gas related retail and storage outlets and private security agencies will continue to function as usual.
Street vendors selling vegetables and fruits on the push-carts also would not come under the purview of the new restrictions.
Schools and coaching institutions - from the pre-school to class-VIII -- would remain closed. However, online classes can be conducted. Classes above nine and higher institutions can be opened with 50% attendance.
Restaurants can be opened with 50 per cent of their sitting capacity.
“Wedding ceremonies will be allowed with a maximum of 50 participants. No DJ or barat processions will be allowed. The Organisers of the wedding function would have to inform the nearest police station at least three days in advance,” the notification said. Only 50 persons will be allowed to participate in the last rites/ shradhh karma.
