The Nagaland government on Saturday directed the closure of all the shops located in crowded areas in the state which offer no scope for enforcing satisfactory social distancing to prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus.
In a notification, Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy asked all the deputy commissioners (DCs) to order closure of markets including Hongkong Market and New Market in Dimapur town and BOC Market in Kohima with immediate effect.
However, the chief secretary asked to exempt those shops/outlets, which deal with food grains, vegetables, food items, medicines and other essential items and goods till further order.
The deputy commissioners were also asked to issue orders with immediate effect for closure of all dine-in restaurants, dhabas and eateries till further order.
However, any such outlets may keep its kitchen open if they plan home delivery or takeaways, provided all health safety measures are followed.
The DCs have been directed to issue orders for closure of malls, departmental stores, gyms, beauty parlours, salons/barber shops and all such establishments.
Orders were issued for restricting entry of the public into any bank, financial institution, except for very essential and emergency activities like passing of government bills and payment of user charges and fees, withdrawal of cash for urgent purposes and other such needs.
The government expected all banks are adhering to the health advisories on prevention and spread of COVID-19.
The deputy commissioners were asked to submit the action-taken report by 6.30 am on Sunday.