Mizoram extends COVID-19 restrictions amid grim situation

Aizawl: The Mizoram government on Friday extended the ongoing partial lockdown in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) area and certain Covid-related restrictions in other parts of the state till October 2 with a few relaxations in the curbs.

The extension was announced as the restrictions, imposed on September 4, were scheduled to expire on Saturday.

After a complete lockdown between July 18 and August 7, partial lockdown for AMC and certain Covid-19 restrictions for other parts of the state were imposed on August 8 and have been extended at least four times so far. 

The new guidelines have allowed the opening of picnic resorts under strict Covid-19 appropriate behaviour with maximum 25 attendees. 

Vegetable markets and shops, which come under category C, will be allowed to open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, it said.

Mizoram has allowed re-opening of schools and anganwadi centres in Covid-19 free areas outside AMC from August 15 and all education institutions, including colleges in Covid-19 free areas from September 5.

It has also allowed the re-opening of worship places (churches) in Covid-19 free towns and villages outside AMC area from August 22.

According to the new order, all public places of gatherings and religious places will remain closed in the AMC area. Shops, markets and commercial transport will continue to operate in a restrictive manner in the AMC area. 

Other districts will continue with the usual activities. However, deputy commissioners will clamp other restrictions depending on the Covid-19 situation.

Mizoram on Friday reported 1,121 Covid-19 cases, pushing the state’s tally to 76,591.

At least 544 people have recovered on Friday taking the total recovery to 62,993, according to a government bulletin. The state now has 13,344 Covid-19 active cases.