Curfew extended May 28, curbs partially eased
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 17 2021: The state government has extended the curfew, which was enforced in seven districts since May 7 to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission in the state, till May 28 but exempted certain commercial activities under the condition that all safety protocols shall be strictly followed.

As per an order issued by chief secretary and State Executive Comrtiittee chairman Dr Rajesh Kumar on Monday, there will be additional exemptions on 'few activities' related to essential services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul districts, where the curfew period has been extended.

The exemptions include permission to open/operate local vegetable vendors from 7 am to 10 am for purchase by the locals on May 20, 23 and 26 under the condition that the vendors should be seated at least 6 feet apart and wear mask all the time; open one out of three grocery shops in a particular location from 7 am to 10 am on May 20, 23 and 26.If the shops or vendors are located in congested rows (on major roads like NH both sides may open), then only alternate rows shall be allowed to open.

Queue sys tern should be adopted by all shops and vendors, the order specified, adding that the ban on vehicular movement and operation of the Ima Keithel and adjoining markets, and local markets at Khurai Lamlong, Andro Parking, Lambulane, Kongba, Pishumthong, Kwakeithel, Nagamapal, Singjamei Bazar, Wahengbam Leikai and major other major markets in other districts will remain in force during the curfew period.

While pointing out that virulence of the Covid-19 virus continues unabated and the need for stringent measures to check physical contact amongst people still exists, the order further mentioned that residents of the other remaining nine districts, where no curfew is imposed, shall not be allowed to travel to the seven districts under curfew.

Similarly, residents of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul districts should not be allowed to enter the other nine districts, the order said.

However, activities permitted earlier in the seven districts will continue.

The exemptions will cover healthcare facilities, movement of healthcare workers, pharmacies, persons going for COVID-19 vaccination, COVID testing and medical emergencies, employees and personnel/staff working in essential services sector, goods vehicles including those carrying construction materials, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and oil tankers.

Opening of petrol pumps and LPG outlets will continue along with permission on movement of Imphal airport staff and air passengers.

Hotels for lodging will be allowed to remain open with minimum staff but restaurants will remain closed, it elaborated adding that Child Protection Services (Orphanages, Children Homes, Observation Homes, etc); Home delivery services under ICDS/ICPS (supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant & lactating mothers); Home delivery ofvarious goods and services (food items, vegetables, groceries, medicines, etc) including e-commerce platforms shall be allowed to operate/function.

Banking services with limited staff will also be permitted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM for urgent Government and non-government transactions only, it said and advised ATM service providers to ensure refilling of cash.

Sale of fish feed, animal feed, milk and milk products, fish, poultry and poultry products will also be allowed for purchase by the locals from 7 am to 2 PM while postal services with limited staff will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM to dispose time bound works including delivery or medicines and medical equipment.

It also advised authorities concerned to conduct IEC activities 'vigorously' to constantly remind the public of the need to strictly follow Covid appropriate behaviour and encourage villages/locality without Covid cases to display "My Village/Leikai is Corona Free" at the entrance of their village or Leikai.

All the deputy commissioners shall constantly monitor the spread of the infection in the district and areas under their respective jurisdiction and along with the superintendents of police shall take necessary action to implement the orders, the chairman mentioned.

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