Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 29 (EMN): Considering the continuous surge in the number of Covid-19 positive cases and fatalities, the curfew which was imposed in Manipur’s seven districts has been extended till June 11.
The districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul.
Manipur chief secretary, Dr. Rajesh Kumar who is also the chairman of the state executive committee of the state disaster management authority issued an order in this regard on Friday.
However, as per the order, all healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers, pharmacies including those selling veterinary medicines besides all persons going for Covid-19 vaccination, Covid testing and medical emergencies are exempted from the purview of the curfew.
"All employees and personnel staff working in media, power, fire services, PHED, CAFPD, home, health, relief and disaster management forest, environment and climate change, finance and treasuries and police departments and district administration are exempted (all other offices to remain closed)," the order read.
"Only the good vehicles carrying construction materials, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and Oil tankers and vehicles of other essential services like power supply, fire service, water supply, waste/garbage clearance, public distribution system, medical/Covid services, electronic and print media, internet and telecom service providers and vehicles of personnel of departments/organisations permitted to be functional," it stated.
Opening of petrol pumps and LPG outlets and movement of staff of IOCL are permitted. Imphal airport would remain open and movement of staff and passengers would be permitted, it added. Though hotels for lodging will be open with minimum staff, the restaurants will remain closed.
Child protection services under ICDS/ICPS (supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant and lactating mothers), home delivery of various goods and services including e-commerce platforms, banking and postal services with limited staff for urgent transactions and disposal of time-bound works besides ATM services including refilling of cash in ATMs, postal services with limited staff are permitted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 2.30 pm
Meanwhile, the order specified that local vegetable vendors are permitted to open from 7 am to 10 am on May 30, June 2, 5, and 8, with necessary protocols. Shops or vendors located in congested rows, only alternate rows shall be allowed to open.
"All directorate offices to start functioning with physical attendance of 15 percent staff from June 1 by taking adequate precaution and strictly following Covid Appropriate Behaviours. Life Insurance Corporation with limited staff on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 2.30 pm to dispose of time bound works," the order read.
The restrictions on inter-district movement regarding the remaining nine districts would continue with additional permitted activities till June 11.