Manipur clamps total lockdown as COVID situation remains alarming

In view of the continuing surge in COVID-19 cases with high prevalence of the Delta Variant, the Manipur government on Friday decided to clamp 10-day total lockdown to break the chain of transmission starting July 18.

A notification issued by the health department said only essential activities related to vaccination, COVID-19 testing, medical services, water supply, power supply, telecom/internet services, air travel and agricultural activities would be allowed until July 28.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh issued an emotional appeal through a video message on social media and announced the clamping of lockdown in view of the alarming COVID-19 situation in Manipur.

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“In view of the alarming Covid situation in the State, there will be a strict curfew from 18th July to 28th July. All institutions will remain closed except for essential services such as medical services, water supply, power supply, telecom/internet services, air travel and agricultural activities. Further, only the people coming out for vaccination and testing will be permitted to venture out during this curfew. State forces along with CRPF will be deployed for strict enforcement of the curfew,” the CM wrote in caption to the video (watch below).

In the video message, Singh appealed to the public for cooperation during the total lockdown, to collectively fight the spread of coronavirus in Manipur. He said state and paramilitary forces will be deployed during the curfew.

Apart from the essential services, the Meetei-Pangal community would be exempt from curfew restrictions on July 21 on account of Idul-Zuha. The CM appealed to the community to adhere to COVID appropriate behavior during the celebrations.

After more than two months of restrictions imposed by the state government, Manipur continues to witness an alarming number of new cases and deaths with a positivity rate above 10 per cent. The state reported more than 1,000 fresh cases on Wednesday and Thursday and 14 deaths.

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