The Nagaland government will impose new consolidated guidelines enforcing stricter rules to be followed from April 30 to May 14 in view of the surge in COVID-19 cases in the State.
This was decided at a Cabinet meeting held in Kohima on Tuesday, government spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon said at a press briefing at Chief Secretary’s conference hall.
Kikon said the fresh guidelines will be issued on April 29 which will come into effect from April 30.
He said all educational institutions, cinema halls, swimming pools, gymnasium, entertainment parks, auditorium, assembly halls, sports complex and stadium and similar places like parks, museums, libraries, recreation centres in the State will remain closed during the period.
Various restrictions on public gatherings will also be put in place, Kikon added.
He said guidelines on entry and exit points and routes on inter-state borders, movement of persons and vehicles in the State, shops, markets and other activities, office, protection of vulnerable persons will also be issued.
Kikon said essential services will be allowed in containment zones with proper SOPs in place.
The District Task Force (DTF) headed by the respective deputy commissioner will strictly enforce the new guideline measures, he stated.
Kikon said any person violating the guidelines will be penalised as per the provision of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable.
Kikon said the State is prepared to face the second wave and challenges. He, however, said the government alone cannot fight the pandemic unless the citizens cooperate.
He requested all to wear mask at all times, wash their hands at all possible time and maintain social distancing.
He added that the Cabinet decided that the DTF will impose a fine of Rs 200 per person for not wearing mask.
Kikon announced that the Cabinet has decided to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens from 18 years and above from May 1 across the State. He said there is no shortage of vaccines in the State.
He said a total of 1, 86,350 vaccines have so far been administered in the State. He added that Nagaland has a high rate of minimal wastage usage of the vaccine as compared to other states in the country.