Dimapur, Aug. 13 (EMN): Marking the commercial district's first step towards gradual reopening of its shops, the Dimapur district administration has announced that from Monday, August 17, all categories of shops will be allowed to open, except on Wednesdays.
However, shops dealing with essential commodities will remain open on all days.
This was decided during an emergency meeting of district task force (DTF), Dimapur on Thursday, according to an update from DIPR.
The committee's decision was based on the report submitted by the sub-committee headed by the administrator of Dimapur Municipal Council, it stated.
To avoid overcrowding, the DTF decided that vegetable vendors will be allowed to sell only in the colonies/villages and not in the daily markets. Hawkers/vendors won't be allowed along the Supermarket footpath.
As suggested by the sub-committee, the DTF revised the time slot for wholesalers from 5 am to 10 am; and retailers from 10 am to 5pm.
"The issue of reopening of Hazi Park (Hongkong Market), New Market, Milennium Market etc., would be decided after receiving the approval of the government," it reported.
According to the deputy commissioner (DC), the sub-committee will remain in operation and directed it to monitor and submit reports once in a while.
The DC also appealed to the citizens to avoid overcrowding in marketplaces as the time slot has been extended and there is sufficient stock of commodities.
During the meeting, the chief medical officer of Dimapur, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, emphasised on the need to sensitise village bodies on the issue of keeping asymptomatic Covid-19 positive cases in their respective homes so that the Covid care centres could be reserved for serious cases.
She also informed that "non-Covid centre would be activated within a day or two for treating non-Covid patients".
The medical superintendent of Dimapur, Dr. Kuveduyi Theyo, also informed that one OT for Covid positive patients and another OT designated for non-Covid patients would be activated within a couple of days. Any serious patient who comes to the hospital will not be turned away, according to the doctor.