Lockdown extended in Mizoram
Lockdown extended in Mizoram

The Mizoram government has announced fresh guidelines for state-wide partial lockdown for a period of one month to prevent further spread of novel coronavirus in the state.

The new guidelines issued on Tuesday late evening came into effect from Wednesday (July 1) and will be in effect till July 31.

The government order said that partial lockdown with relaxed guidelines was inevitable to mitigate the economic hardship faced by the people without compromising the health and safety of the general public as the prolonged suspension of economic and livelihood activities has severely affected the vulnerable sections of society.

Though religious congregations and other large social gatherings are continued to be prohibited, the fresh guideline allowed morning church devoting, marriage ceremony, funeral, anniversary celebrations, political and other social events with a maximum attendee of 50 people.

Games and sports practice, book release function and other related events are also allowed with a maximum 25 attendees.

All international and inter-state borders will continue to remain closed barring three entry points- Vairengte and Bairabi on the Mizoram-Assam border and Kanhmun on the state border with Tripura, which will be opened for commodities.

However, stranded people and outsiders, who obtain prior permission from the state home department, will be allowed to enter the state through the three entry points and any persons coming outside will have to undergo mandatory 14 days quarantine, the order said.

Lengpui airport will remain open during the partial lockdown.

Business shops and commercial activities will function normally with strict adherence to social distancing.

The new guideline allowed inter-district and intra-state movement for commercial and private vehicles. However, an odd-even system will be used in Aizawl municipal area except for Sunday on which no vehicle is allowed to ply except for those exempted.

Night curfew will continue to remain imposed between 7:30 pm and 4:30 am every day.

Other activities continued to be prohibited across the state include an operation of educational and training institutions, entertainment parks, picnic spots, theatres, gymnasiums and other similar places for entertainment.

However, beauty parlour, salon and spa will be opened with the prior appointment of customers to ensure social distancing.