In an emergency meeting on Tuesday, Bihar's COVID-19-response crisis management group (CMG) reassessed the state's ongoing policy for the pandemic. This was done in light of the recent spike in contagion, and the committee agreed to implement stricter measures for arrivals from Maharashtra and Punjab. 

Travellers from these states have to carry a negative COVID-19 test reports to be allowed entry in Bihar. 

An official present at the meeting shared, "Those found not carrying the reports will have to undergo COVID-19 testing at airports and railway stations from Tuesday. Anyone testing positive for the disease will be sent to isolation centres."

With infections surging in states such as Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the CMG also looked into the status of readiness and damage-control measures, should the caseload in Bihar increase too. There is, however, no cause for alarm in the state just as yet, officials added. 

"There are 327 active cases in the state in total. On Sunday, 50 people were found to be positive for the disease and are being treated. The health department had conducted tests for more than 33,000 people across the state for COVID-19 on Monday,&rdquo said a senior member. 

The CMG has also established guidelines for Holi celebrations at public places. Chaitanya Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, said that celebrations may be carried out at "restricted levels".