The Mizoram government on Sunday extended total lockdown in Aizawl Municipal area, others district headquarters and containment zone areas for another eight days till June 30 to contain further spread of novel coronavirus.
The ongoing total lockdown which came into effect from June 9 was supposed to expire on Monday.
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The government order issued on Sunday said it has been felt pertinent to extend the total lockdown in the said areas as stricter measures imposed for two weeks have been found to be effective in containing the spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve of new cases detected.
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According to the order, 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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Lenpui airport will continue to remain open.
No outsiders unless obtained prior permission from the state Home department will be allowed to enter the State.
However, Mizoram residents stranded in other parts of the country, who already obtained a permit and are on their way home, will be allowed to enter, the order said.
Strict vigilance along the international and inter-state borders and in border villages will be maintained to prevent intrusion.
The order said no person in Aizawl municipal area, district headquarters and containment areas other than those exempted are allowed to step out of home without permission.
All shops and commercial activities barring those selling essential commodities, vegetable seeds, farming equipment, construction materials, spare parts and pharmacies and clinics, will be closed in restricted areas, the order said.
However, shops and commercial activities in other parts of the state will continue to open and function normally, it said.
Small scale industries like tailoring, weaving, carpentry, fabrication, bakery will function, according to the order.
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.
Meanwhile, chief minister Zoramthanga said the State has not reported community transmission though one case of local transmission has been reported.
“We are making massive efforts to contain further spread of the virus with the help of churches, NGOs and community leaders. I hope we will overcome the crisis some day,” he said.
Mizoram on Sunday reported one COVID-19 case out of 638 samples tested at Zoram Medical College (ZMC) on Saturday, taking the state’s tally to 141.
The new patient, a 29-year-old female from Aizawl, was a Maharashtra returnee and did not show symptoms of COVID-19, an official said.
The official also said sample of a person, who tested positive for COVID-19 in Truenat laboratory in Lunglei, was sent to ZMC for confirmation.
There are 132 active cases in the State while nine have recovered from the virus.