Bihar Under Lockdown Till 25 May: What’s Allowed? What’s Not?

Which services are allowed to remain open? Here’s what the state government’s order says.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tweeted on Thursday, 13 May, that after reviewing the status of the lockdown along with associate ministers and officials and seeing positive effects, it has now been extended up to 25 May.

Initially, he had announced a lockdown until 15 May.

Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not.

Which shops are allowed to remain open?

Ration shops, food and groceries, fruit and vegetable stores, and dairy shops are allowed, but can only be open between between 6:00am and 10:00am in urban areas and 8:00am and 12:00pm in rural areas.

Which services can continue to run?

• Hospitals, dispensaries, chemists, medical equipment shops, clinics, labs, and other medical and health services are allowed.
• District administration, civil defense, sanitation, water supply, police, fire brigade are permitted.
• Banks, insurance offices, and ATMs are allowed.
• Petrol pumps will be open.
• E-commerce, internet and cable services, broadcasting, and print and electronic media may run.
• Construction work is allowed.
• Agricultural activities are permitted.
• Cold storage and warehousing services are allowed.
• Private security services are allowed.
• Judicial work will have to follow the Patna High Court administration’s guidelines, reports Mint.

Can offices and schools/colleges remain functional?

• All state government offices will remain shut.
• Schools, colleges, and coaching institutes to be closed, no examinations are allowed to be conducted, reports Mint.

What about public transport?

• Public transport can run at 50 percent capacity.
• People using railways, flights, and travelling long distances can use public transport. Travelling to other states is allowed. Private vehicles picking up passengers from airports and railway stations are allowed, reports Mint.
• Transportation is allowed for medical personnel.
• Goods carrying vehicles are allowed.
• Private vehicles of government employees on duty and other essential workers are allowed.
• Unnecessary movement in public spaces and on roads is not permitted.

What are the restrictions on restaurants?

Dine-in services are not permitted. Restaurants and eateries are allowed to run home delivery services from 9:00am to 9:00pm.

What about recreational activities and events?

• Cinema theatres, malls, clubs, stadiums, pools, gyms, parks, will remain shut.
• No government or private functions are permitted.
• Weddings can have a maximum of 20 attendees, with no DJ or barat processions. The nearest police station should be informed of the wedding at least three days prior to the event.

Will religious places be open?

All religious places will be closed to the public.