Bihar unlock: Schools, malls, cinema halls to reopen from August 7 with COVID curbs

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New Delhi: In view of the sharp decline in coronavirus cases, the Bihar government on Wednesday (August 3) announced an ease in COVID-19 curbs imposed to reduce virus transmission. The fresh Unlock 5 order, issued from August 5-25, permits all malls, cinema halls, educational institutions, markets and bazaars to reopen.

As per the government notification, schools for classes 9-12 can reopen from August 7 and for classes 1-8, they can reopen from August 16, with 50 per cent strength. Staff and employees who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus will only be allowed to come to school to attend classes. 

Public transport is allowed to play at full capacity. Cinema halls, shopping malls to open with adequate COVID restrictions.

Meanwhile, all religious places and places of worship will continue to remain shut. Bazaar and markers are allowed to function with one weekly-off. 

The crisis management committee, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, formulated certain guidelines under 'unlock 5', including making schools operational with 50 per cent attendance of students above class 9 from August 6. It will assess the situation and is most likely to open schools from Class 1 to 8 after August 15.

The Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar has also allowed coaching centres to be open for students above Class 10, to benefit those preparing for competitive examinations. Besides, cinema halls, theatres, and malls are also allowed to operate from August 6, at 50 per cent of their actual capacity.

According to the Health Department, corona cases have reduced drastically with the PMCH having not a single infected patient. The IGIMS, the NMCH and Patna AIIMS have collectively 16 patients -- 12 in the IGIMS and two each in the other two.