Curfew ordered in seven districts of Manipur till May 17 as Covid cases rise

Imphal, May 8: After the state recorded 600 new Covid 19 positive cases and two deaths in 24 hours which is the highest ever single day spike, the state government has imposed curfew in seven districts including two hill districts for ten days starting from May 8.

The districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul.

The chairman in-charge of the state executive committee of the state disaster management authority issued an order in this regard late May 7 night.

The announcement came a day after the state authority extended the existing restrictions imposed in areas under Imphal Municipal Corporation and Greater Imphal till May 16.

In view of the increasing trends in the spread of infection has become even steeper and has spread to other parts of the state necessitating additional restrictions and also in additional areas in the interest of public health, the order of the state disaster management authority said.

As per the order, all healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers, all pharmacies including those selling veterinary medicines besides all persons going for COVID 19 vaccination,COVID testing and medical emergencies are exempted from the purview of the curfew.

It also permitted all employees and personnel staff working in media, power, fire services, PHED, CAFPD, Home, Health,Relief & DM, Police departments and District administration (all other offices to remain closed).Only the goods vehicles, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and Oil tankers and vehicles of other essential services like power supply, fire service, water supply, waste/garbage clearance, public distribution system, medical/Covid services, electronic and print media, internet & telecom service providers and vehicles of personnel of departments/organisations permitted to be functional.

Opening of Petrol pumps and LPG outlet and movement of staff of IOCL will continue to be permitted. Imphal airport shall remain open and movement of staff and passengers would be permitted, it added.

Though the hotels for lodging will be allowed to remain open with minimum staff, the restaurants will remain closed, it added.

The state recorded 600 new COVID 19 positive cases, taking the state's total infection tally to 34,333 besides increasing the total number of active cases to 3506 as of May 7. With the expiry of two persons, the state's total cumulative number of deaths increases 449.