IMPHAL, April 2 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today appealed to the people of the State to stay at home and maintain social distancing as it is key to combating the spread of COVID-19.
In a public address which was conveyed through the Information and Public Relations Department at the Chief Minister�s Office here, Biren Singh said that the ongoing lockdown is essential to save the lives of people and called for public support to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stating that the State Government has taken all necessary measures to provide essential commodities to the public, the Chief Minister stressed the need to comply with the preventive measures stipulated by the WHO and other health authorities to fight the disease.
Appealing to the people to be transparent about their travel history outside the State, the Chief Minister said the family members of the second COVID-19 patient have also been sent to a quarantine centre.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister and other State officials attended a video conference with the Prime Minister on the present situation due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Lockdown violators detained: Thoubal Police in Manipur on Thursday detained 85 persons for violating lockdown restrictions, according to police sources. These persons were later produced before executive magistrates. As many as 36 violators were detained at the Khongjom Police Station.
On the other hand, Imphal East district police teams detained 108 vehicles for violating the lockdown imposed in the State, another source said. A sum of Rs 10,800 was collected as fine, which has been handed over to the magistrates concerned.
CM�s COVID-19 relief fund: In view of the ongoing lockdown and the urgent need to ensure social distancing norms in the collective fight against COVID-19, the Manipur Chief Minister�s Office on Thursday suggested that donations to the relief fund should preferably be made through online mode. It may be mentioned here that the Chief Minister�s COVID-19 relief fund was created on March 23 to meet emergency requirements.
