Newmai News Network
IMPHAL | MARCH 20
While talking on how to prevent and combat coronavirus, Manipur Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh said that the primary concern of the government at this hour is to protect and save the lives of the people, while economy and others can be considered later on.
He said this at a press conference held at Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal on Friday.
The Chief Minister stated that the COVID-19 should not be taken lightly even though it has not reached Manipur. "Instead the people should follow the precautionary measures and norms laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Government", he also said. Prevention is the best way to fight the disease from spreading, he added.
The Chief Minister then urged the people of the State to give their full support and cooperation to fight coronavirus (COVID-19). He assured that all steps which are necessary are being taken up to ensure that there is no shortage of essential items like groceries, fuel and medicines in the State. He further urged the people to make purchases as normal, and not hoard essential items in panic buying.
Biren Singh then maintained that the State government has already taken precautionary measures to fight COVID-19 since January 18, 2020. He expressed his happiness that the people have extended their support to the government to fight the virus. The Chief Minister further appealed the people of the State to abide the precautionary measures announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday evening.
The Chief Minister stated that the next 2-3 weeks will be "very crucial for all of us and we must support and help each other to fight the deadly disease". He opined that "we should stay away from crowds and gatherings, avoid leaving homes and maintain social distancing". He also appealed that the elderly, senior citizens and those above 65 years of age to remain indoors and not to leave their homes for the next few weeks.
Mentioning that people should support the nationwide ‘Janata Curfew’ announced by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22, the Chief Minister said that during this curfew, no one should neither leave their homes, nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities. The Chief Minister further maintained that in compliance with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, the State government will also initiate certain measures to de-congest workspaces to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
The Chief Minister’s Secretariat will issue an order regarding departments to require only 50% of their employees to attend office on alternate days (except for those who are dealing with matters related to financial transaction for Financial year, he said. The Head of Department (HoD) are advised to prepare a roster that will require such employees to be in office, he added.
Biren Singh also urged the people to avoid any unnecessary religious functions and rituals and avoid mass climbing of Cheirao Ching on Cheiraoba (Meitei New Year).He advised those persons who have recently visited the infected countries to follow self quarantine procedures at home.
On the steps taken by the state government to bring back the students from the State stuck at Philippines, the Chief Minister said that the State government has already apprised the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India to take necessary steps for evacuating the stranded students of Manipur. The State government has also asked the family of those students to submit the details and other information of the students to the government.
