Night curfew imposed in Dimapur; New Market, Hongkong Market to open on alternate days

Assembly of four or more persons prohibited during the curfew hours

Dimapur, April 21 (EMN): In an attempt to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has overwhelmed healthcare facilities in various parts of the country, the Dimapur District Task Force (DTF) on Wednesday announced the decision to impose a night curfew in the city starting from April 23.

The decision was taken at the DTF meeting held in the conference hall of DC Dimapur on Wednesday.

The order issued by the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, stated that the night curfew will become effective from Friday, April 23, between 8 pm and 5 am on all days. Commercial activities and any assembly of four or more persons are prohibited during curfew hours.

However, medical, emergency and essential services, including pharmacies will be fully functional.

“There shall be no restriction for movement in all types of goods through trucks, goods vehicles or any goods carriers, including empty vehicles and movement of persons to facilitate the same. Movement of long-distance night bus services, public transport, private vehicles and taxis from railway stations and bus terminals/stops/stands are allowed (on the production of valid travel documents), for facilitating the movement of passengers by air, rail and road,” read the order, adding that all other movements apart from for the activities mentioned is strictly prohibited.

“All shops located in New Market and Hongkong market will open on alternate days following odd-even system. Only 50% of footpath vendors in these locations will be allowed on any given day. Necessary arrangements for the same shall be made accordingly by Administrator, DMC,” it added.

The district administration has ordered the closure of all weekly markets in the district until further orders but authorities concerned like town councils and ward/village authorities can facilitate the vendors to sell their products in various colonies, wards and villages.

For returnees and travellers

All Gaonburas and chairman of village councils, colonies or wards have been directed to identify any person arriving from outside the state in their respective jurisdiction and instruct such persons to report to the DTF, and those without negative Covid-19 test report to self-isolate for 10 days as well as ask returnees to submit their personal information like name, age and mobile number to idsp.dimapur@gmail.com or via WhatsApp on 8837496902. Individuals can also contact the control room on 7630877991/ 7630877983 for queries.

Persons arriving from outside the state have been directed to remain in self-isolation for 10 days if they don’t have a Covid-negative test report done not earlier than 72 hours prior to entry into the state.

All the residents of Dimapur district have been directed to observe Covid-appropriate behaviour, including avoiding crowded places, compulsory wearing of face masks and avail vaccination if eligible. Besides enforcement committees and police, gaonburas and chairman of village council and colonies have been directed to ensure compliance to Covid-appropriate behaviour and other SOP in their respective jurisdictions.

All gatherings — social, academic, entertainment, cultural, political and religious — outside the containment zones will be limited to 50% of the seating capacity or 200 persons, whichever is lower. Festivals of any kind will be kept at the bare minimum, and in case the gathering in open space is more than 200, prior permission of the DTF should be taken.

The notification went on to inform that random screening test will continue to be conducted in the city as per government directive.

“Any person violating this order shall be penalised as per the provision of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 beside legal action under Section 188 of the IPC,” the order read.