Agartala: In a bid to counter the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, the state government has announced the closure of all schools, colleges and universities, cinema halls, swimming pools, gyms from March 17 to March 31 this year.
Speaking with reporters, chief secretary Manoj Kumar said that an emergency meeting was chaired by chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb to review the situation arising centering outbreak of coronavirus.
“The chief minister was briefed on the latest situation prevailing in the state and the necessary steps taken by the state government to control the spread of coronavirus,” Kumar said.
He also said that so far 78 passengers were brought under surveillance, out of which 21 passengers have complete the observation period.
“We have hospitalised two passengers and their samples were taken for test, however, they were tested negative. There is no positive case detected in the state. After the review meeting it has been decided to shut down all schools, colleges, universities, cinema halls, swimming pools, gymnasiums will remain closed from 17 March to March 31,” Kumar told reporters.
Speaking further, he said that the hostels attached to the educational institutions will get vacated with effect from March 21 to March 31 and Anganwadi centres will be closed till March 31. Take-home ration to the pregnant/ lactating mothers will also be provided without disruption.
Earlier, two separate advisories were issued to avert the mass gatherings in the state, however violation by residents is being observed.
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“All the district magistrates have been requested to consider issuing appropriate order under Section-144 of CrPC to restrict gathering in view of the spread of coronavirus,” the chief secretary added.
A new order issued on March 16 advised people to minimise unnecessary travels particularly foreign travel, minimising social functions, fairs and festivals till April 15. These include religious large gatherings, functions, etc.
The chief secretary also informed that the restrictions will also come into effect on visiting old age homes and prisons.
Earlier on Sunday, a notification issued by the education department said: “In view of the COVID- 19 (Corona Virus) outbreak and detection of a few cases in our country, health advisories have been issued by the authorities concerned. In our state of Tripura, currently, board examinations, as well as school annual examinations are going on. As a preventive measure for the safety of students and teachers, all the headmasters are requested to either arrange an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap/hand-wash with sufficient water. Every student and teacher must be asked to wash their hand properly with soap and water or and use hand sanitizers before entering the examination hall.”
It also informed that the NISHTHA training programme scheduled to be started from March 16 has also been postponed.
