Arunachal Pradesh issues new SOP to contain COVID spread

The Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority has issued certain directives related to containment zones, gatherings, workplaces, educational institutions, public transport, and restriction on the movement of individuals including night curfew across the state to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

On June 29, the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed states and union territories to consider implementing targeted and prompt actions for COVID-19 management.

The COVID-19 situation in the state has been reviewed by the Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority during a meeting held on June 30, where it was observed that though the number of COVID-19 patients and positivity rate is declining in the state, the overall situation still remains a matter of concern, for which adequate containment measures are still necessary to control the virus.

The new directives will remain in force with effect from 6 pm on June 30 till 5 am on August 1, 2021.

A. The statewide night curfew will remain imposed from 6 pm to 5 am. However, services related to security, disaster management and emergency services including health, water, power generation, transmission and distribution services, telecom services shall be exempted during the curfew period.

B. The functioning of Government and private offices/establishments:

1. Will be allowed with all observing the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour including wearing face masks, hand & respiratory hygiene and maintaining physical/social distancing.
2. Public visitors/meetings will not be allowed in offices to reduce overcrowding in closed indoor spaces. Online services and virtual meetings will be encouraged.
3. Such activities will, however, not be allowed during night curfew hours except for the mentioned exemptions.
4. Pregnant employees and women with children of 5 years or below working under any government/PSU/financial institutions/private organisations, irrespective of their grade, shall be eligible to work from home.
5. People with disabilities working in any government/PSU/financial institutions/private organisations shall be exempted from attending duties, but will be encouraged to work from home.

C. Opening of shops and commercial establishments will be allowed with COVID appropriate behaviour and protective measures like masks, sanitisers and social distancing, except during night curfew hours.

D. Take away of food items from restaurants, dhabas and other eateries will also be allowed while maintaining COVID appropriate behaviour. Such places will however remain closed during curfew hours.

E. Opening of sale counters, showrooms, cold storages, warehouses, etc., will be allowed while following COVID appropriate behaviour and will remain shut during the night curfew period.

Also read: Arunachal Pradesh reports 344 new COVID-19 cases, 1 more death