lockdown
Representative image.

Keeping in view of the rise in COVID19 positive cases, the state-wide lockdown in Manipur has been extended up to June 30.

The lockdown extension was announced by Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Sunday.

The first nationwide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from March 24 midnight as a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID19.

N Biren stated that lockdown is one of the preventive measures to stop further spread of the COVID19.

The Manipur chief minister said it has been decided to extend the restrictions for was protecting the people from the deadly disease, say reports.

N Biren, however said, the operations in MSME sector and activities related to horticulture and agriculture sectors besides work under the NREGA will be allowed during the state-wide lockdown to be extended with effect from June 1.

But the chief minister made it clear that the the people of the state will have to strictly maintain the social distancing norms and follow the advisories and protocols laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Union Health Ministry.

The chief minister said the number of tests in the laboratories at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal have increased to more than 1,000 tests per day.

He said the state government has taken necessary measures to tackle the COVID situation.

Informing that thermal scanners have been installed at the Imphal Airport, N Biren also said a 100-bedded dedicated COVID19 hospital will be established in the state within 10 days.

He also announced that the state government has issued directives to the chief medical officers of all the districts in the state for appointing trained nurses and volunteers to join the state’s fight against COVID19 pandemic.

A total of 71 persons have tested COVID19 positive in the state so far, the chief minister said.