AIZAWL, May 16 - Despite being a Green Zone with zero COVID-19 cases, the ongoing lockdown has been extended in Mizoram by two more weeks.
The Mizoram Government took the decision to extend the lockdown till May 30 during a meeting with representatives of political parties, civil societies, churches and doctors on Friday after the participants favoured extension to be on the safe side.
�In view of the stranded residents being brought back from various States, including the Red Zones, and the current situation in the neighbouring States, the participants were unanimous in their view that the lockdown should be extended,� an official said.
Speaking in the meeting, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said extending the lockdown was crucial to ensure public safety, although the State has been declared a Green Zone after the lone patient recovered on May 9.
The official said fresh guidelines for Lockdown 4.0 would be released before May 18.
After 833 Mizoram residents were brought back from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Friday, many more would be brought back in a phased manner. This mass homecoming is the main concern for doctors as there are high chances of some of them being positive, sources said.
�In Manipur, which was declared COVID-free, four new cases were detected among those who had come back from other States. So we cannot run the risk,� a health official said.
Mizoram has been experiencing a partial lockdown since May 4. Sources said the Government could opt for stricter guidelines for the fourth phase.
