[COVID-19] Biggest challenge before Bihar government is to break myth that Bihar has eaten up virus: Patna High Court

While hearing a batch of petitions seeking the Bihar government’s response to the COVID-19 situation in the State, the bench remarked that people in Bihar seemed to believe that the worst of the pandemic was over (Shivani Kaushik v. Union of India)..The biggest challenge before the Government is to change the mindset of the people of Bihar and break the myth amongst the local populace that- "Bihar Corona ko Khaa Gaya Hai [Bihar has eaten up corona(virus)].Patna High Court.The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S Kumar was faced with a clutch of pleas seeking specific direction to protect persons at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19 and to ensuring the establishment of infrastructure to meet the crisis..The counsel appearing for the parties informed the Court that the Supreme Court was now dealing with the matter on a ‘pan-India basis’..The Advocate-General submitted that he would ascertain what matters the Supreme Court was dealing with and accordingly apprise the Court if the matters at hand were to be pursued any longer..The Court emphasized that people needed to be made aware about the State and Central government’s policies, directions, and programmes under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, both in the urban and rural areas..To this, the Advocate General informed the Court that on account of prevailing climatic conditions, the State Government has rather vigorously started a campaign for sensitising the local populace..Continuing on the theme of the need for sensitisation, the Court underscored that all communication media ought to be utilised towards getting the message across. The Court also encouraged “persons pursuing socially beneficial schemes” to sensitise the public to conform to COVID-19 safety norms..With these directions, the matter was posted for hearing on December 8.."The Government must undertake by all modes of communications, including electronic and print media. On a personal level Persons engaged in pursuing social beneficially schemes can be asked to sensitize the general public in adhering the advisories issued, at least of wearing masks; maintaining social distancing; avoiding congregation at public places; taking all precautions in dealing with the problems arising out of current Pandemic Covid-19," the Court said..Read the Order: