AIZAWL, May 21 - The Mizoram Government�s decision to allow sporting activities in playgrounds, stadiums and indoor stadiums during Lockdown 4.0 has not gone down well with the State doctors.
Doctors have expressed concern over allowing sports activities as it would involve gathering of more than five persons at this critical stage.
�The lockdown is still in force due to the pandemic. It is surprising that playgrounds, stadiums and indoor stadiums have been allowed to reopen. What would be the point of extending the lockdown and asking people to maintain physical distancing? It looks as if we no longer fear the outbreak of COVID-19,� a doctor said.
The doctors also said that even though the State Government had consulted them while framing the guidelines on extension of the lockdown, they were not consulted on this particular matter.
On Tuesday, the Chief Secretary, who is also the State Disaster Management Authority chairman, issued a notification allowing physical exercises and other sports activities in stadiums, playgrounds and indoor stadiums. The notification clarified that the prohibition of games and sports under Clause E of lockdown guidelines meant for sports competitions/events with spectators remain in force.
On the contrary, gyms were ordered to remain shut while other commercial establishments and shops were allowed to reopen.
Though Mizoram is currently a Green Zone, Health workers fear that it could turn into a Red Zone in no time, considering the situation in neighbouring Manipur and Assam where cases spiked in a span of a few days, primarily due to residents returning to these States from outside.
