Representational image.

Normal life in the crowded city of Aizawl came to a grinding halt on Friday after the Mizoram government imposed partial lockdown.

While states across India are opening up amid COVID19 pandemic, the Mizoram government announced one week partial lockdown in Aizawl Municipal area from Thursday mid-night in view of a sudden surge in COVID19 cases.

According to the order, which will come into effect till September 17, no residents of Aizawl are allowed to step out of their homes or compound except those exempted during the partial lockdown.

Streets of Aizawl, which are otherwise crowded, wore a total deserted look on Friday due to the partial lockdown.

Only shops dealing with essential commodities were allowed to open till 5 pm under arrangement made by Aizawl district administration.

Local level task forces were allowed import of essential commodities from areas outside the lockdown.

As many as 141 new Covid19 cases were detected on Thursday, which was the highest single day spike ever reported in Mizoram since March 24 when the first Covid19 case was detected in the state.

Of the 141 new cases, more than 90 cases reportedly got infected by COVID19 due to community transmission.

The government order issued on Thursday night said that a significant number of positive cases have been reported from positive contacts and unknown sources and the community transmission rate is becoming a matter o grave concern.

“It is considered necessary to impose temporary restrictions on movement of persons in public places in Aizawl Municipal area in order to facilitate contact tracing, surveillance, testing and to reduce the local transmission rate thereby containing further spread of the disease,” the order issued by state chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said.

The order banned outgoing and incoming movement from or to Aizawl Municipal area during the lockdown period barring those in medical emergencies, emergency related to death of relatives and those entering or leaving the state by flights.

All educational institutions, training institutes and religious places will remain closed. However, the ongoing undergraduate examination will continue undisturbed, the order said.