AIZAWL, March 10 - The Siaha district in south Mizoram has sealed its border with Myanmar to prevent any possible spread of coronavirus. An order issued by Siaha ADC Malsawmtluanga on March 7 said crossing the Indo-Myanmar border is henceforth prohibited.
There are ten villages along the Indo-Myanmar border in Siaha district that serve as entry points. The ADC said as there is no trade through these points, the economy of the villages along the border would not be affected due to the sealing.
However, the Myanmar border in Champhai district, the major route of cross-border trade, is yet to be sealed.
However, Champhai DC Naveen SL has issued travel advisory against crossing the Myanmar border. He instructed all village councils in Champhai district to find out if there are foreigners in their respective areas and report their personal details before March 20. Foreigners who recently arrived in Mizoram have to mandatorily undergo screening, the notification said.
As per a district-level meeting on precautionary measures against coronavirus, which was chaired by Champhai North MLA Dr ZR Thiamsanga, a joint team visited Zokhawthar, the Indo Myanmar town, on Monday.
Random checking by Assam Rifles and State police personnel, extensive mass awareness campaigns, especially in border villages, sensitising NGOs, stakeholders and media are being conducted.
Dr Samuel Laldinthara, MO, IDSP, Champhai District Hospital, said that 379 medical screenings had been conducted along the Indo-Myanmar border and no suspect has been detected till date.
Health officials said as many as 14,648 people, who had travelled from foreign countries, have undergone screening at coronavirus counters in Mizoram since February 2.
At least seven screening centres have been set up in different parts of the State along with international and inter-State borders and Lengpui airport.
Officials said that 61 people have been kept under house quarantine. These people have returned from China, Singapore, Macau, Dubai, USA, Seychelles and Hongkong.
