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Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 7 (EMN): In light of the growing trends in the spread of infection, Manipur government have announced that existing restrictions in areas under the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Greater Imphal will be extended till May 16 in order to control the Covid 19 infection without resorting to a full shutdown in the interest of public health.
The Manipur Chief Secretary in-charge M H Khan also the chairman in-charge of state executive committee of the state disaster management authority issued an order in this regard on Thursday night.
As per the order, all shops in Thangal bazaar and Paona bazaar – the two main markets in Imphal shall remain closed. Ima Keithels (women markets) and adjoining temporary markets in Imphal and other local markets at Khurai Lamlong, Andro Parking, Lambulane, Kongba, Pishum thong, Kwakeithel, Nagamapal, Singjamei Bazaar, Wahengbam Leikai shall also remain closed, it added.
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, it stated.
It mentioned that one of three shops/vendors (vegetable, fish/meat vendors, milk booths, animal feed) of total shops/vendors in one location should be allowed to open on a rotational basis, except in Ima Keithel. While the shops/vendors located in congested rows, only the alternate rows shall be allowed to open. It further added, all shops and vendors should adopt queue system.
Deputy Commissioners and district superintendents of Police will prepare the roster of shops vendors, it stated.
The permitted activities include movement of goods vehicles 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 (PDS), medical/Covid services and vehicles of personnel of departments/organisations are permitted to be functional.
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 permitted.
The night curfew from 7pm to 5am across the state and closure of all historical and tourist sites shall continued, it added.
Opening of petrol pumps and LPG outlet and movement of staff of IOCL, all establishment and personnel relating to electronic and print media, internet and telecom service providers, opening of hotels for lodging (except restaurants) besides food and grocery delivery service providers are permitted.
While Imphal airport shall remain open and movement of staff and passengers would be permitted, it added.
“All employees and personal staff working in home, health, relief and disaster management, police department and district administrations (all other offices in IMC and Greater Imphal area will remain closed),” the order said.
“Bank branches shall remain open from 10 am to 2.30 pm only for government transactions and transactions related to Covid-19 management and government projects/ urgent matters.”
On the other hand, in view of the surge of Covid infections and fatalities, the local bodies of two districts — Kangpokpi and Ukhrul have also separately imposed a complete lockdown in their respective areas.
In Kangpokpi, local bodies imposed the complete lockdown from May 7 until May 13 while the public lockdown, which began from May 5 midnight, will continue until May 15 midnight across the Tangkhul villages in the Ukhrul to contain the increasing number of Covid 19 positive cases.