Nagaland lockdown extension: International, state borders continue to remain sealed

Kohima: Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy issued new consolidated guidelines on lockdown measures with the extension of the lockdown till August 31. All Inter-state and international borders will continue to remain sealed.

Any inbound traveller/returnee entering the state will be permitted to enter the state only through Dimapur by rail, air or road via the New Field Check Gate and the Dillai Gate. Entry is allowed by road through Khuzama, Kohima district, Tsutapela and Watiyongpang, Mokokchung district, Naginimora and Tizit, Mon district and Bhandari, Wokha district.

Entry into the state through any other route, or by any other mode of travel will not be allowed, except under exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Home Department.

The movement of goods vehicles entering or transiting through the state will however be allowed through the designated points of entry only after proper medical screening of the drivers and attendants of the vehicles. All other roads/routes will remain closed.

The International Border of the State with Myanmar will also continue to remain sealed. Interdistrict movement of commercial passenger vehicles will remain barred except vehicles carrying goods.

Taxis and auto-rickshaws will be permitted to ply with the existing guidelines. Movement of passenger buses, like city buses, will continue to be prohibited.

Also Read: Nagaland: Total lockdown in Kohima extended till August 7

Enforcement of stricter and additional lock down measures

The new order authorises respective deputy commissioners to impose stricter and additional lockdown measures for specific periods and in different areas. The DCs, on the assessment of the actual ground position, can issue necessary orders regulating the provisions of this order. However, provisions laid down by the state government cannot be diluted.

All the Deputy Commissioners are mandated to strictly enforce the lockdown measures as per the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Directives for COVID 19 Management.

To implement containment measures, the deputy commissioners will deploy executive magistrates as incident commanders in the respective local jurisdictions. They will be responsible for the overall implementation of the measures in the respective areas.

All other line department officials in the specified area will work under the directions of such Incident Commander, and the Incident Commander will issue passes for enabling essential movements. The Incident Commanders will ensure that all efforts for mobilisation of resources, workers and material for augmentation and expansion of hospital infrastructure continue without any hindrance.

Also Read: Nagaland registers highest single day spike; 126 COVID-19 positive cases detected

What remains closed?

1. All schools, colleges, educational/training/coaching/vocational institutions are remain closed. However, online/distance learning will continue to be permitted and encouraged.
2. Cinema halls, shopping malls, swimming pools, gymnasiums, entertainment parks, auditoriums, theatres, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

3. International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.

4. All social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious functions and other large congregations.

5. Salons, parlors and barber shops

6. Sports complexes and stadia.

7. All the public places in the State like parks, museums, libraries, re-creation centres, etc.

8. Use of public toilets

9. Hawker stalls located in crowded areas and Market Complexes which offer no scope for enforcing satisfactory social distancing like the Hongkong Market, New Market in Dimapur Town, BOC Market in Kohima etc. shall remain closed except those shops/outlets dealing with food grains, vegetables, food items, medicines and other essential items and goods. Respective Deputy Commissioners shall identify such areas/Market Complexes and issue suitable orders in this regard.

10. Dine-in restaurants and eateries, shall also continue to remain closed.

Permitted activities:

1. Shops and outlets of all categories and Departmental Stores will be allowed to open as per normal hours.

2. The proprietors of the shops and establishments which are allowed to open will make arrangements for keeping hand sanitizers or provide facilities for hand washing with soap and water for the public as well as for their own staff/workers. The proprietors of the shops and establishments should also get the door handles, surfaces and other objects which are frequently touched by people cleaned and disinfected. Social distancing measures will also be adhered to at all the shops and outlets.

3. Home deliveries from dine-in restaurants, food outlets and delivery of online orders of essential commodities shall be permitted. Such establishments are to ensure social distancing for staff as well as customers within their premises. Dhabas at strategic locations along the highway will be permitted to function to cater to the needs of persons involved in transportation of goods. The respective Deputy Commissioners will identify such establishments.

4. All agriculture and allied activities, forest activities, plantation activities and animal husbandry activities will continue to be permitted with social distancing measures.

5. All construction activities, including roads, irrigation projects, buildings and all kinds of industrial projects will continue to be permitted with social distancing measures.

6. All categories of industries will be permitted to operate subject to social distancing norms.

7. Private Banks, ATMs, Pharmacies, Medical Clinics, Nursing Homes, Private Telecom Services, Internet Service Providers, Media Houses, LPG, Petroleum outlets will continue to open/function as per the existing arrangements. All other kind of private offices/establishments are permitted to open/function with social distancing norms

8. Religious places/ places of worship in the State will continue to be open to public subject to adherence to conditions/ provisions of the Office Order of even number dated June 10.

9. All other activities not explicitly barred or prohibited in orders issued by the Government will continue to be permitted subject to social distancing norms.

k. All activities are subject to adherence to National Directives for Covid-19 Management as specified in Annexure I

Government Offices

1. The Civil Secretariat and Directorates in Kohima and Dimapur and all the Government offices in the Districts will function with attendance of officers of Deputy Secretary and above in the Secretariat, and Deputy Director and above in the Directorate and the Head of Office and immediate junior in the District offices being mandatory.

For other categories of officers and staff, a roster system must be worked out whereby 50% staff attends office every alternate week. Concerned AHoD, HoD and Heads of Offices will work out such arrangements in detail. Those not attending office on a particular day will have to be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times.

1. District Administration, Police, Security Forces/Agencies and Medical and essential Service Providers like Treasury, Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Prisons, PHED, Power, NIC, DIPR, Postal Services, Food & Civil Supplies, Social Welfare, IT&C, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Municipalities/Councils, AIR, Doordarshan, BSNL, Public Sector Banks , ATMs will continue to operate as per the current arrangements.