<span style="color: #222222;">Bihar government has decided to open schools and coaching centres for class 9 upwards from January 4 with Covid-19 safety protocols. This decision was taken by the crisis management group of the state government. Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary Education said if all goes well, lower classes will resume later in a phased manner.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Mr Kumar said private schools and coaching centres will be responsible for sanitising their premises and implementing Covid-19 guidelines. The same will be applicable for coaching institutions. Schools will have to follow SOPs laid by union ministry for home affairs. <br />''<br />''Two face masks will be given to each student of government schools free of cost. All educational institutions in Bihar including private and government schools and coaching institutes have been shut since March 15 as part of the nationwide lockdown triggered by Covid-19. </span><br />''  <br />