Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 31 (EMN): Following a meeting of the high powered committee (HPC) on Covid-19 on Monday, restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of all types in Nagaland will be lifted with effect from September 1.
Even shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, gymnasium, salons, and market places that were restricted before will be allowed to open following all safety measures and protocols.
Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, who is also the government spokesperson on Covid-19, said the decision was taken into consideration the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Unlock 4 guideline that was released on August 29.
In the meeting that was held at the chief minister’s chamber at the Secretariat in Kohima, the relaxations were decided so as to give more emphasis on the overall improvement of the economic activities in the state, the minister said.
The minister added that lockdown imposition cannot continue as it has affected the overall economy of the state. Therefore, it will give special focus on the agricultural activities for overall improvement of the economy, he said.
‘This time, the district task force would not be allowed to restrict the movement of vehicles, unlike earlier where they have been empowered to take their own decision on the lockdown measures.
‘The market places including all those restricted before would be permitted but with certain conditions. Further, sports complex and stadia will also be allowed to open but without spectators,’ he said.
However, schools and colleges will remain closed till September 30 while, churches and religious places, which had been allowed to open with 30% congregation will remain till September 21, while further increase on the number will be made after that, he said.
As for the returnees and others, renewed standard operating protocols will be brought out soon, he added.