Containment notice locks down Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30 2021:
Consequent upon declaration of the whole of Greater Imphal as containment zone for seven days to curb the rapid surge in Covid positive cases and the continuously rising death toll, streets and markets in proper Imphal areas wore a deserted look today.
However, the week-long containment measure taken up by the State Government since late night yesterday evoked mixed response in Greater Imphal areas as many shops and hotels in several localities flouted the norms prescribed by the Government.
In proper Imphal areas, major markets including Ima Keithels, Paona Keithel, Thangal Keithel, Keishampat, Khoyathong, Lamlong and Singjamei remained closed, except those allowed by the Government like pharmacies, grocery stores and vegetable vendors.
Police personnel deployed in several pockets of Imphal city and its surroundings were seen keeping a close vigil on the markets and streets while police patrol teams were repeatedly announcing/informing the public about the containment measures taken up by the Government since late evening yesterday.
Government and private offices other than healthcare setups also remained shut.
On the other hand, many in several locations of Greater Imphal flouted the norms prescribed by the Government.
Apart from opening many shops and hotels in the afternoon and evening, many locals, specially teenagers and youths in various locations of Greater Imphal were seen sitting and moving together in groups.
Mention may be made that an order issued yesterday by Chief Secretary in-charge MH Khan had declared the whole of Greater Imphal as a containment zone although it exempted/ permitted several activities in the containment area.
Some of the permitted activities include healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers.
The Government has also exempted all pharmacies including those selling veterinary medicines, persons going for COVID-19 vaccination and Covid testing and medical emergencies.
Home delivery of cooking gas is also in the exempted list.
The Covid containment measure aimed at breaking the chain of coronavirus infections also allowed all vegetable, fish/meat vendors (except in Ima Keithels), milk booths and all grocery stores including animal feed shops for purchase by locals from 6 am to 10 am .