Manipur government extends curfew in 7 districts

Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 8 (EMN): Following the 10-day extension of existing restrictions imposed in areas under the Imphal municipal corporation (IMC) and Greater Imphal in the wake of a sudden spike in Covid infections and fatalities, the state has again imposed a curfew in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thobal, Kaching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul with effect from May 8 to the 17th.

MH Khan, who is also the chairperson in-charge of the state disaster management authority’s executive committee released an order in this regard. All healthcare services, including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and movement of healthcare staff as well as pharmacies including those selling veterinary drugs and people getting Covid 19 vaccination, Covid examination and medical emergencies are excluded from the curfew, according to the decree.

“All employees and personnel workers employed in the media, fuel, fire services, PHED, CAFPD, Home, Health, Relief and DM, Police departments and district administration are exempted (all other offices to remain closed),” according to the order.

“Only good vehicles, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and oil tankers and vehicles of other critical services such as electricity, fire, water, waste/garbage collection, public distribution system, medical/Covid services, electronic and print media, internet and telecom service providers and vehicles of staff of departments/organisations are permitted to be functional,” it said. The opening of petrol stations and LPG outlets as well as the movement of IOCL employees will be allowed to begin. The airport in Imphal will remain open and staff and passengers will be able to travel about freely, according to the statement. The hotels will be able to stay open with minimal staff, but the restaurants will remain closed, according to the statement.

“The district Magistrates concerned shall issue necessary orders and implement the same,” the order further added. On Thursday, the state has extended restrictions imposed in IMC and Greater Imphal until May 16. Only last week, on April 29 Greater Imphal was declared a containment zone for seven days to check the Covid-19 spread.