Jharkhand has decided to allow schools to resume on-campus classes for classes 9 and above and colleges and universities to start functioning in the wake of a gradual dip in Covid cases in the state.

At a meeting chaired by chief minister Hemant Soren on Friday, the government also decided to resume interstate bus services. It has also allowed clubs to reopen. Bars and restaurants can run till 10 pm with 50 per cent capacity.

However, weekend lockdowns from Saturday evening till Monday morning will continue to be in force.

After the meeting, Hemant said the government would not hesitate to reintroduce restrictions in the immediate future if the situation warranted. “At today’s meeting, we decided to unlock almost all sectors including education, taking into account the fall in Covid-19 cases. But use of masks and covid appropriate behavior in public places must be followed. The threat of Covid-19 is far from over even though cases are on the decline,” he said.

As per the communiqué issued by the chief minister’s office, all schools from class 9 to 12 can conduct offline classes, but only with the consent of the parents. “Classes can run for a maximum of 4 hours and only till noon,” read the communiqué, adding that routine covid testing for students and teachers will be conducted by the district administration.

The state government also allowed reopening of final year classes for undergraduate and post graduate students in universities and professional colleges. However, before doing so, the management of the concerned institute must ensure that at least the first dose of vaccine has been administered to the staff.

This apart, colleges can also take offline exams for UG and PG final year students. National competitive exams will also be held as per schedule.

Coaching institutes can start classes only for students above 18 but the number of students must be restricted to 50 per cent of the total strength. All concerned must had at least the first dose of the vaccine.

The government also allowed opening of clubs while private and public offices can function with 100 per cent capacity.

“As far as the weekend lockdown is concerned, all other entities except essential services, bars, restaurants will remain closed,” said the order.

The cap on the assembly of people in open spaces has also been increased to 100 while in closed spaces, it must not exceed more than 50 per cent or 100 persons, read the order.

Activities or services that are still not permitted include swimming pools, fairs and exhibitions. The mandatory e-pass for coming into the state has also been withdrawn.