ITANAGAR, June 10 - In the wake of the sudden spike in COVID-19 positive cases in many districts of Arunachal Pradesh, several villages and colonies in West Siang district are going for self-isolation practices in a bid to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus, stated a district official here today.
People of the largest village in West Siang � Darka � along with their counterparts in most other villages have imposed a complete lockdown, not allowing entry of people from outside into their villages and colonies. The villages and colonies have their own lockdown rules, and any violation attracts a fine up to Rs 10,000, District Information and Public Relations Officer Gijum Tali said.
Apart from erecting barricades at village entrances, the villagers have even distributed posters appealing to the people to wear face masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing norms to keep the virus at bay, Tali said.
The village committees are also keeping a close vigil on home-quarantined people who have returned from various parts of the country.
Crowding at public places has gone down drastically after imposition of the lockdown and introduction of the odd-even system in West Siang district, the official said.
Meanwhile, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Moki Loyi has appealed to all to fight against COVID-19 as a cohesive team and obey the lockdown rules being intimated to the people from time to time.
Arunachal Pradesh has so far recorded 57 COVID-19 positive cases, out of which 55 cases are still active, Two persons have also recovered and released from hospital.
Changlang district has reported the highest cases at 37, followed by the Itanagar Capital Region with seven cases. West Siang district has reported only one case so far.
