Imphal: Chief Secretary and Chairperson (in-charge), State Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority in an order issued Tuesday, in partial modification of the orders dated April 29, 2021, notifying the whole of Greater Imphal as a containment zone, has issued additional restrictions in respect of shops and movement of people and vehicles.
The order comes in the wake of concern that people both sellers and buyers are crowding in market areas increasing the spread of Covid-19 infection and the need to prevent this without resorting to a complete shutdown.
The order states that only one out of three shops/vendors of total shops/vendors in one location will be allowed to open on a rotational basis. If the shops or vendors are located in congested rows, then only alternate rows will be allowed to open. Queue system should be adopted by all shops and vendors.
There will be a complete ban on the movement of all vehicles (including during 6 am to 10 am), except for goods vehicles, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and Oil tankers, and vehicles of other essential services like Power supply, water supply, medical/covid services, and waste/garbage clearance, PDS, vehicles of personnel of departments/ organizations permitted to be functional including PDS.
Deputy Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police will prepare the roster of shops/vendors. Any market/shop/vendor not complying with social distancing and causing crowding may be promptly closed by the Deputy Commissioner/Superintendent of Police. Local markets at Khurai Lamlong, Andro Parking, Lambulane, Kongba, Pishum thong, Kwakeithel, Nagamapal, Singjamei Bazaar, Wahengbam Leikai will remain closed. Deputy Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police may take the help of local clubs in organizing the roster and physical distancing of vendors.
Bank branches will remain open from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm for government transactions only and transactions related to COVID-19 management and government projects/ urgent matters. Banks are to undertake only urgent/time-bound transactions in their branches.
The finance Department and Treasuries shall remain functional with minimal staff to discharge urgent transactions. Post offices shall remain open from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm to dispose of time bound works including delivery of medicines and medical equipment and will not entertain routine business.
Imphal airport shall remain open and movement of staff and passengers will continue to be permitted. Opening of Petrol continue pumps and LPG outlets and movement of staff of IOCL will to be permitted. All other remain instructions contained in the orders dated of April 21 and April 29, 2021, will remain unchanged, said the order.
