A man walks past a billboard on precautionary measures on COVID-19 put up by Kohima Municipal Council during the initial phase of lockdown in April. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | July 23
The District Task Force (DTF) of Dimapur and Kohima, on July 23, have adopted different mode of lockdown amid the rising cases of COVID-19 infections and demands for strong containment measures.
In the state capital, the District Task Force (DTF) annouced a one-week total lockdown in Kohima municipal area under Kohima Sadar jurisdiction from July 25 to 31.
In an order, the Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Gregory Thejawelie informed that the decision was taken during the emergency meeting of the DTF Kohima on July 23.
The lockdown has been enforced in order to enhance active surveillance by the District’s Chief medical Office (DMO) in coordination with Team Kohima, it said.
It was also imposed to ensure more comprehensive contact tracing, early detection of suspected cases and isolation measures so as to slow down the chain of transmission, it added.
Among others, the lockdown guidelines include prohibition on/of: public movement; opening of shops except for pharmacies outside the sealed areas; religious services and congregation; movement of all commercial and private vehicles; and gathering of people at public places within residential areas in ward/colonies/villages.
Marriages are also prohibited during the period while not more than 20 people should gather for funeral/last rites related activities and maintain social distancing.
Inter State, inter district and inter village movements are also restricted. However movement of medical emergency cases and essential goods and services with proper safety measures would be allowed.
However, certain categories people or profession are exempted the purview of the lockdown. These are: District Administration, Police, Paramilitary/Army, Medical, Chief Minister’s Office, Raj Bhavan staff, Treasury, Prisons, Kohima Municipal Council, PHED, Power, NIC, DIPR, NSDMA, Fire and Emergency Services, Media, Medical Hospitals, Clinics and Nursing Homes, BSNL & private telecom services, Internet Service Providers, banks with minimal staff and ATMS, petroleum & LPG outlets, Quarantine Centres, Bethel Kitchen, persons/patients with medical emergencies and those involved in authorized COVID-19 related duties.
8-day partial lockdown in Dimapur
Meanwhile, ending speculations, the Dimapur DTF on COVID-19 have decided against imposing a total lockdown in the district during its July 23 meeting.
Instead, the DTF opted for an 8-day partial lockdown in the district to be enforced from July 26 to August 2.
According to initial reports received here, only essential commodities stores (grocery) and pharmacies would remain open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm during the period while the existing odd-even system continues for vehicular movement.
Further details are awaited.
