Ongoing restrictions, anounced in Jharkhand early this month, were extended to January 31 on Saturday in the wake of a steady surge in Covid-19 cases, with state health minister Banna Gupta adding that no new curbs had been added to try and balance life and livelihood.

Gupta, who is also minister for disaster management, said, “We will keep reviewing the situation. As of now, the state government has decided to continue with the restrictions that had been imposed in the first week of January to arrest the surge in Covid-19 cases. We appeal to people to continue following Covid appropriate behaviour."

The earlier regulations, which were announced on January 3, were in force till Saturday, January 15.

Following Saturday's orders, all educational institutions, tourist spots, parks, zoos, swimming pools and stadiums would continue to remain closed till the month-end. Cinema halls, restaurants and shopping complexes can function but only with 50 per cent capacity. Offices can operate with 50 per cent attendance.

While shops and market establishments will operate till 8pm, bars, medicine shops and restaurants can operate as per area-specific timings , ie, any time between 10.00 pm and 11.00pm. Not more than 100 people are allowed in outdoor events, while participation in indoor events has been limited to 50 per cent capacity of the venue, but not more than 100 people.

Jharkhand has 33,189 active cases now after recording 3,749 fresh cases on Friday. As many as three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 5,192.

Gupta appealed to people to take the Covid vaccine and stressed that the government has increased daily testing capacity for early detection and tracking of cases. “We have almost doubled testing capacity by conducting about 75,000 daily tests at the moment,” he said.