Mizoram government on Sunday extended the ongoing lockdown for another one month till June 30.
Notably, the Centre issued an order extending lockdown in containment zones upto June 30 and to re-open prohibited activities in phased manner in areas outside the containment zones.
Mizoram is regarded as green zone area when it became COVID-19 free state after its lone patient recovered and discharged from a hospital on May 9.
The ongoing lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus came to expire on Sunday.
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“In view of the continued rise of positive cases in other parts of the country, particularly in the neighbouring states and the mass return of stranded residents of Mizoram from containment zones of other states, it is felt necessary to further extend the lockdown period till June 30 in order to prevent the spread of the disease in Mizoram,” the government order on Sunday said.
The government also issued new guidelines for the fifth phase of lockdown with special emphasis on social distancing and maintenance strict vigilance along the international and inter-state borders which will come into effect from Monday.
According to the new guidelines, all international and inter-state borders will continue to remain closed barring three entry points- Vairengte and Bairabi on the Mizoram-Assam border and Kanhmun on the state border with Tripura, which will be opened for vehicles carrying essential commodities and non-essential commodities allowed by the state Home department.
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However, inter-state or cross-border movement of vehicles carrying passengers is strictly prohibited except those permitted by the home department, the guideline said, adding intra-state movement of persons and goods is allowed.
Stand alone shops and other business establishments are allowed to open till 5 pm in other areas.
However shops at shopping complexes and commercial hub within AIzawl Municipal area and district headquarters will open on alternate day.
Nigh curfew will continue to remain imposed between 7 pm and 4:30 am and assembly of more than 5 persons is prohibited, the order said.
Other activities continued to be prohibited across the state include operation of educational and training institutions, entertainment parks, picnic spots, theatres, gymnasiums, spa and other similar places for entertainment, street vending, social, games and sports, political and other events; and opening of all religious places including religious congregation, the order said.
Gathering of not more than 20 people is allowed at marriage ceremony and funeral, and also social distancing should be maintained strictly in public places.
Meanwhile, state education minister Lalchhandama Ralte said that the new guideline would not affect the resumption of pending class-12 board examinations and compartmental examination for class-10 slated from June 16-18.
Regular classes for new academic session is likely to begin from July after consultation among the governments, school authorities and parents as per the MHA order, he said.
On Saturday, health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana had said that Mizoram might need to be put under lockdown for some period of time till all the stranded residents returned to the state.