The Manipur government on Saturday modified the COVID-19 SOP in the state in view of the rapidly increasing cases of COVID-19 and Omicron threat.

In an order issued by the Home Department, night curfew in the state has been set from 9 pm to 5 am. Earlier, it was from 9 pm to 4 am. The night curfew must be enforced strictly, the notification read.

As per the notification, physical classes will be only for class IX and above while the number of students should not exceed 50 percent of the capacity of the classroom. Online classes should be increased and physical classes reduced and no physical classes in coaching centres and private tuition centres will be allowed, the notification stated.

"Social gathering is allowed subject to ensuring that COVID Appropriate Behaviour i.e. wearing of mask, maintaining physical distance are followed by all present in the venue. The gathering should be preferably in open halls and spaces. In case it is held in enclosed spaces or halls, the number of people inside should not be more than 50 percent capacity of the hall/space," the order read.

The Home Department also ordered that micro containment zones should be strictly monitored by dedicated Police Department teams and Health Department teams and DCs should involve the local clubs/local bodies with specific jurisdictions.

It also stated that the new COVID-19 cases will be isolated as soon as possible, while directing that the Health Department to scale up vaccination, contact tracing and testing by providing additional manpower, mobility support and IEC-Advocacy.

"All establishments of print and electronic media and essential services and movement of their personnel are allowed during curfew," it added.

As per the order, all Central and state government offices can function with 66 per cent physical attendance of employees by taking adequate precaution and strictly following COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Each office/department shall issue roster duty orders. Employees not attending office should be available on phone during office hours and also attend to urgent matters, if called. All employees should process and clear e-office files promptly, the order said.

All shops and commercial establishments can open from 10 am to 4 pm. However, shops selling fish, poultry and poultry products, milk and fresh milk products are to open from 8 am to 1 pm, the notification said.

In respect of shops in Thangal Bazar and Paona Bazar, shops can open from 8a m to 4 pm as per the order.

Further, shopping malls have been directed to ensure limiting the number of customers to 50 per cent inside the mall and strict observance of Covid Appropriate Behavior. Eating areas of hotels or restaurants shall allow and serve only 50 per cent of their capacity, the order said.

Gymnasiums and Fitness centres can open from 5 am to 12:00 noon. Cinema halls/entertainment halls allowed to function only with 50 per cent capacity, the government notification said.