In the last seven days, as many as 1,689 fresh cases and 31 deaths were reported from Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
TFM Desk
With no sign of curbing the raging second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, the Manipur Government on Thursday extended the period of the areas under IMC and Greater Imphal as a containment zone from May 7 to May 16, 2021. The Home Department has issued an order to this effect.
These areas have been under several restrictions for the past seven days, after the state government announced the areas as a containment zone on April 29, 2021.
In the last seven days, as many as 1,689 fresh cases and 31 deaths were reported from Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
The increasing trends in the spread of infection calls for continued restrictions, despite hardships, to check this Covid-19 infection without resorting to a complete shutdown in the interest of public health, stated the order issued by the Home Department on Thursday.
Containment zone in areas under IMC and Greater Imphal continues with suspension of all activities and movement of persons, it added.
- All shops in Thangal Bazaar and Paona Bazaar shall remain closed. Ima Keithels and adjoining Temporary Markets shall remain closed.
- Local markets at Khurai Lamlong, Andro Parking, Lambulane, Kongba, Pishum thong, Kwakeithel, Nagamapal, Singjamei Bazaar, Wahengbam Leikai shall remain closed.
- Wholesale shops in Imphal may open at the rate of one in three shops on rotation from 6 am to 10 am, with strict avoidance of crowding.
- Only one out of three shops/vendors (vegetable, fish/meat vendors (except in Ima Keithel), milk booths, animal feed) of total shops/vendors in one location shall be allowed to open on a rotational basis. If the shops or vendors are located in congested rows, then only alternate rows shall be allowed to open. Queue system should be adopted by all shops and vendors.
- DCs and district SPs will prepare the roster of shops and vendors. DCs and district SPs may take the help of local clubs in organising the roster and physical distancing of vendors.
- Any market/shop/vendor not complying with social distancing and causing crowding may be promptly closed by the DC or SP.
- All healthcare facilities, including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers, are exempted.
- All pharmacies, including those selling veterinary medicines, are exempted.
- All persons going for COVID-19 vaccination, COVID testing and medical emergencies are exempted.
- All employees and personal staff working in Home, Health, Relief & DM, Police departments and District Administration are exempted (all other offices in IMC and greater Imphal area will remain closed).
- There shall be complete ban on movement of all vehicles (including during 6 am to am).
- Only goods vehicles, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and Oil tankers and vehicles of of other essential services like Power supply, water supply, waste/garbage clearance, Public Distribution System, medical/COVID services, electronic and print media, internet & telecom service providers and vehicles of personnel of departments/ organisations permitted to be functional including Public Distribution System.
- Delivery of food, groceries, and other items through various e-retail portals are permitted.
- Bank branches shall remain open from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm only for government transactions and transactions related to COVID-19 management and government projects/ urgent matters. Banks are to undertake only urgent/ time bound transactions in their branches.
- Finance and Treasuries shall remain functional with minimal staff to discharge urgent transactions.
- Post offices shall remain open from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm to dispose of time bound works including delivery of medicines and medical equipment and shall not entertain routine business.
- Continuation of construction works in priority government projects where workers are available onsite.
- Night Curfew from 7 pm to 5 am.
- Closure of all historical and tourist sites.
- Opening of Petrol pumps and LPG outlets and movement of staff of IOCL will continue to be permitted.
- Imphal airport shall remain open and movement of staff and passengers will continue to be permitted.
- Hotels for lodging will be allowed to remain open with minimum staff. Restaurants will remain closed.
For other parts of the state
- Night Curfew from 7 pm to 5 am.
- DC and SP should immediately evaluate and issue suitable restriction Orders regarding markets or movement in their area.
- All public transport vehicles, example Buses, Winger vans, Magic vans, Auto rickshaws, E-Rickshaws, etc., to carry passengers upto maximum half capacity and ensure all passengers wear face masks all the time.
- Movement of goods vehicles including vehicle carrying oxygen, Oxygen cylinders, LPG and Oil tankers and vehicles of other essential services like Power supply, water supply, waste/garbage clearance, Public Distribution System, medical/covid services and vehicles of personnel of departments/ organisations permitted to be functional including Public Distribution System to be permitted at all times.
- All healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers to be permitted.
- All pharmacies and including those selling veterinary medicines to be permitted.
DCs and SPs will take necessary action to implement the orders. The High Court of Manipur may issue appropriate orders for courts in view of the above, the order stated.
The state government had issued orders dated April 21, April 29 and May 04 restricting activities in the whole state, notifying the whole of Greater Imphal as a containment zone and further restriction on movement of vehicles, opening of shops while allowing limited banking and postal services respectively.