Newmai News Network
Imphal | June 30
Inter-district bus and minibus services will resume in Manipur with effect from July 1. In this regard, the State government has issued guidelines for the latest phase of COVID-19 induced lockdown on Tuesday.
All inter-district public transport services by bus and minibus will be allowed to operate with 50% capacity and maintain social distance as per the new lockdown guidelines issued by State chief secretary Dr J Suresh Babu who is also the chairperson of the State Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority.
The inter-district bus and minibus services along with other passenger transport services remained suspended in the State since March 24 last, the day the nationwide lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19 was announced by the Central government.
The Manipur government had already announced the extension of the ongoing lockdown till July 15. While announcing the same a few days ago, chief minister N Biren Singh had stated that inter-district bus service would resume from July 1.
Meanwhile, the entire State of Manipur will be under night curfew, from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am, till July 15, said the order that spelled out the guidelines to be followed during the 15 days extended lockdown and restrictions to be in place during the period.
There will be complete lockdown and curfew in all containment zones as notified by the concerned deputy commissioners till July 15, the order also said.
The exemptions are subjected to observance of National Directive for COVID-19 Management, it added.
According to the order, the State government was compelled to extend the lockdown considering the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
As per the guidelines of the lockdown, activities to be prohibited from July 1 to July 15 throughout the State include among others all inter-state bus services except those permitted by the State Home department.
Regarding the education front, schools, colleges, training institutions and coaching centres will remain closed as in the previous lockdown.
There will be restrictions in the opening of hotels, restaurants and hospitality services, cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
All religious places, places of worship will also remain closed for the public, religious congregations are strictly prohibited, the guidelines said.
Closure of all social gatherings, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other gatherings and large congregations will also continue in the entire State.
All salons and spas, all the three markets in Ima Keithel (all-women run markets) and retail shops in Ngarigali (adjoining to Ima Keithel) will also remain closed till July 15.
However, all activities related to essential services and health related activities will be relaxed from the purview of the lockdown, it stated.
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