Bihar eases curbs; offices to function with full capacity from June 23

In wake of decline in COVID infections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday announced partial relaxations of lockdown curbs, allowing offices -- both government and private -- to function with full attendance from June 23 to July 6.

The decision was announced after holding a COVID-19 review meeting on Monday.

In a series of tweets, Kumar said that all essential and non-essential shops can operate in Bihar till 7 pm, while public parks and gardens will remain open from 6 am to 12 pm.

However, the Chief Minister said that the night curfew will continue in the state from 9 pm to 5 am, adding that people must continue following appropriate COVID-19 norms, including usage of masks and practising social distancing, to ensure that cases do not rise again.

Complete lockdown in the state was imposed on May 5 after the state witnessed a surge in COVID infections.

Bihar, one of the worst-hit states in the country, has been reporting a decline in daily COVID-19 cases.

As per the health update by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bihar currently has 3,189 active COVID-19 cases.