The ‘Corona Night Curfew’ has been extended in areas under 20 urban bodies from 6 PM to 5 AM with effect from May 4 (Tuesday).
Speaking to media persons on Sunday evening, tripura education minister Ratanlal Nath said, “In view to the rising COVID19 cases in Tripura, the state government has taken the decision to extend ‘Corona Night Curfew’ in areas under 20 urban bodies of the state from 6 pm to 5 am with effect from May 4 next.”
The 20 urban bodies in Tripura include Agartala Municipal Corporation, 13 Municipal Councils and 6 Nagar Panchayats.
“On April 25, a total of 98 people tested positive, on April 26 the number was 111, on April 28 it was 166, on April 29 it was 141, April 30 the figure was 173 and on May 1, it reached 247 in the state. Therefore, the state government cannot remain silent and although we have taken a few decisions, some new decisions were needed to be taken immediately,” he added.
The minister said the decision to change the night curfew timing in Agartala and all other municipal councils areas and Nagar Panchayat areas has been taken to contain the spread of this deadly virus.
“A detailed guideline will be issued and the restrictions will be imposed from Tuesday onwards. The state taskforce chairman and chief secretary Manoj Kumar will issue the detailed guidelines,” said Nath.
He further said the government office hours have been changed and the new timing will be from 10 am to 4 pm.
Nath said: “The non-gazetted employees will remain at home and would attend the office with 50% capacity. If there is any urgency, calls shall be made and employees need to attend office.”
The minister said the chief secretary will issue order on Monday directing all shops under the AMC areas and government offices to undergo Covid19 tests.
Taking stock of the present scenario of government hospitals and centres in the state, Nath said the government may soon appoint 100 MBBS doctors and 100 nurses on contractual basis and those may be regularized following necessary guidelines.
The government decided to appoint 100 doctors on a regular scale through TPSC, he added.