Unlock 4.0: Patna zoo, parks to open from Wednesday

PATNA: The state home department on Monday issued an order for the implementation of all guidelines envisaged by Union home ministry under Unlock 4.0 on August 29. Total lockdown will remain enforced in the containment zones in Bihar till September 30.
As per the fresh orders on Monday, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed for students and regular class activity till September 30.
However, Patna zoo and parks managed by the forests department across the state will open from Wednesday, principal secretary (forests) Dipak Kumar Singh told this newspaper on Monday. He said an order in this regard will be issued on Tuesday. “We will have restriction on timings of parks initially,” he said.
The Patna district administration has allowed all shops to open without any curbs on timing as enforced during the lockdown. Besides, 50% of the teaching and non-teaching staff will be permitted in schools at a time for online teaching and telecounselling in areas outside the containment zones from September 21. Also, students of Class 9 to 12 would be permitted to visit their schools on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from the teachers in areas outside the containment zones. This will be subjected to written consent of the parents and with effect from September 21.
Patna DM Kumar Ravi said Gandhi Maidan will open for visitors from Wednesday. The state government will also allow social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions and other congregations from September 21 with not more than 100 people. Wearing of face marks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and handwash or sanitiser will be mandatory in such gatherings.
Marriage-related gatherings will not exceed 50 people. Maximum 20 people will be allowed to attend funerals till September 20.
Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks and theatres will, however, remain closed.