Saving life is foremost priority, says CM in face of COVID-19 threat
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 20 2020: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that the primary concern of the Government at this hour is to protect and save the lives of people, economy and others can be considered later on.

Addressing media persons at the Chief Minister's Secretariat today, Biren stated that COVID-19 should not be taken lightly even though it hasn't reached Manipur.

Instead people should follow all precautionary measures and norms laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Government.

He also added that prevention is the best way to fight the disease.

The Chief Minister urged people of the State to give their full support and cooperation to fight pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19).He assured that all steps necessary are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of essential items like groceries, fuel and medicines in the State.

He urged the people not to indulge in panic buying or hoarding of essential items.

Biren said that the State Government has already taken up precautionary measures to fight COVID-19 since January 18.Appreciating people's support to the Government in fighting the virus, Biren further appealed to all the people of the State to abide by the precautionary measures announced by the Prime Minister yesterday.

"The next 2-3 weeks will be very crucial for all of us and we must support and help each other to fight the deadly disease", Biren said.

He opined that one should stay away from crowds and gatherings, avoid leaving homes and maintain social distancing and appealed that the elderly, senior citizens and those above 65 years of age to remain indoors and not to leave their homes during the next few weeks.

Asserting that people should support the Nation-wide Janata Curfew or public curfew announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 7 am to 9 pm of March 22, the Chief Minister said that during this curfew, no one should leave their homes, or go to the streets or roam about their localities.

"On that same day at 5 pm, we should also express our sincere gratitude and solidarity to those people such as doctors and nurses etc who are working at the frontline to fight the disease by clapping our hands and cheering for them", Biren said.

He further said that this curfew will not be enforced using security personnel, rather it should be a 'self-curfew'.

The Chief Minister further maintained that in compliance with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, the State Government will also initiate certain measures to decongest work spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.The Chief Minister's Secretariat will issue an order whereby only 50% employees of all departments (except those dealing with matters related to financial transactions) would be to attend office on alternate days.

The HoDs have been advised to prepare a roster system in this regard, he added.

Biren also urged the people to avoid any unnecessary religious functions and rituals as well as mass climbing of Cheiraoching on Cheiraoba (Meitei New Year Day).

He advised those persons who have recently visited the infected countries to follow self quarantine procedures at home.

Clarifying on the steps taken up by the State Government to bring back students from the State stuck at Philippines, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has already apprised the Ministry of External Affairs to take up necessary steps for evacuating the stranded Manipuri students.

The State government has also asked the families of those students to submit details and other information of the students to the Government.

Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) V Vumlunmang, Secretary to Chief Minister Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Irengbam Arun and others attended the press conference.

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