The West Siang administration in Arunachal Pradesh has decided to impose a seven-day total lockdown in the district from July 20 in view of the “alarming” spike in Covid-19 positive cases in the neighbouring districts and huge inflow of returnees.
Officials said all the returnees will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in paid quarantine centres from the date (Friday) of issue of the order.
The decision on lockdown was unanimously taken in a meeting chaired by West Siang deputy commissioner Moki Loyi with Aalo Town Peoples’ Welfare and Development Society, market committees, NGOs, women welfare society, magistrates, police and nodal officers of the district.
Only essential services and government vehicles on duty will be allowed during the lockdown period.
Earlier during the meeting, the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and the district medical and disaster management officers highlighted the activities being carried out to contain the spread of the disease and appealed to civil society organisations to come forward to lend their helping hand.
The officials appreciated all frontline workers in the district who have been working round the clock
All inhabitants of the district currently outside have been asked not to return during the pandemic unless absolutely necessary as they could increase the risk of the disease spreading besides exerting pressure on the under-strength frontline workers.