After imposing its own extensive ‘Complete Lockdown’ despite relaxation of some hours made by the government in the state, the Kangpokpi Town Committee (KTC) has decided to follow the relaxation in the new guidelines for lockdown till August 31 issued by the home department.
Earlier, the local civil bodies under the aegis of KTC imposed a ‘Complete Lockdown’, shutting down all markets despite the government relaxation, owing to the alarm caused by the possibility of suspected community transmission in the town. However, the decision to follow the government relaxation during lockdown till August 31 was taken, considering the improvement in COVID-19 situation in the town.
The district administration on August 15 issued new guidelines with various exemptions for lockdown in pursuance of the Secretariat: Home department, government of Manipur to be followed in the district till further orders or till August 31.
District magistrate Somorjit Salam also issued separate new guidelines for opening of shops in the District Headquarters and other main sub-divisional markets in the district today.
As per the orders, shops/markets will open from 6 am to 12 noon in Kangpokpi District Headquarters with request from the local bodies under the aegis of Kangpokpi Town Committee. It also stated that garments store, utensils and crockery stores and cobblers shall be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while hardware and electrical stores, motor spare parts and mobile stores shall be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
All groceries stores can be opened on all days from Monday to Saturday. However, hotels, restaurants and bakeries are to be closed except takeaway and home delivery while vehicle workshops can be opened on all days from Monday to Saturday and all pharmacies can also be opened on all days.
Despite few relaxations, vehicular movement is strictly restricted except for those with valid passes issued by the government. However, emergency services and departments which are dealing with COVID-19 are exempted. Wearing of masks is made compulsory for all coming out in public places.
Meanwhile, the first frontline worker COVID-19 positive patient from Kangpokpi district headquarters, an ASHA worker under the medical department, has been discharged today from COVID Care Centre, Lamboi khongnangkhong after she recovered and was cured of the disease.
The medical department ferried her in an ambulance this afternoon and dropped her at Kanggui Christian College Community Quarantine Centre for 14-day surveillance where her colleagues received her and provided few PPEs, fruit juice, medicine, etc.
The COVID warrior will be accorded a warm reception after her 14-day surveillance at the Community Quarantine Centre by the local bodies and the medical department.