Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 7
People have started coming out in the market places in Imphal on Friday following relaxation of total lockdown in some sectors.
Shops dealing in essential commodities were allowed to operate from today. However, with the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, many shops dealing essential commodities were seen closed on Friday, probably due to apprehensions.
It may be noted that, taking into account the increasing cases of COVID-19 among the general public, Manipur government extended the total lockdown till August 15. However, relaxation has been given to shops and other business establishments dealing with essential commodities. Such shops are allowed to open from 8:00 am till noon every day except on Sundays and wholesale shops are allowed to open on days mentioned in the lockdown guidelines issued by the government.
On Friday, an increase in the traffic volume was witnessed in Imphal. Many private vehicles were seen plying on the roads in the state capital. Similar situations were reported from other parts of the state, particularly in the district headquarters and towns.
Since the commencement of the complete lockdown on July 23 and reports of local transmission of the pandemic in parts of the state, local retail shops were asked to close down.
In the backdrop of local transmission of COVID-19 taking place in the state, the Manipur government imposed a complete lockdown for a week beginning from July 23 last. It was later extended for another one week, till August 6.
With the number of locally transmitted cases on the rise across the state, the state government extended the complete lockdown till August 15.
The latest guidelines stated that locality based shops dealing with essential commodities, vegetables, fruits, milk booths, poultry meat and fish will be allowed to open from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon on all days except on Sundays.
No vehicles are allowed to move for local purchase in Imphal West and Imphal East.
Wholesale shops in Thangal Bazar and Dharamshala are allowed to open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on all days except on Sundays.
However, there was no mention about the relaxation to the movement of people outside their respective homesteads.
