Covid-19: Total lockdown begins in Nagaland today

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, May 13 (EMN): Nagaland will go into total lockdown at 6 pm on Friday, May 14, in an attempt to break the chain of transmission amid steep surge in Covid-19 cases and casualties in the state.

The department of Health and Family Welfare had in its order stated that all activities and movement of people will be suspended across the state during the lockdown period, which will end May 24.

However, exceptions have been made for healthcare facilities, pharmacies, healthcare workers, vehicles carrying essential commodities, medical supplies and emergencies (50% occupancy), media houses and personnel, select government officials and offices, gas stations, food item vendors (from 6 am to 12 noon) etc.

It stated that any person violating the restrictions “shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005”.

Additional restrictions in Kohima

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, has issued additional restrictions to be implemented in the district during the lockdown period.

The order stated that vegetable shops, fish and meat vendors, milk booths, bakeries and local grocery stores, including those selling animal feed will open from 6 am to 12 noon only in colonies and wards on alternate days and the residents can shop their essentials only from their colonies.

Unlike Home department’s directive which allowed food delivery services, the district administration stated that “all restaurants shall remain closed for dine-ins, takeaway and home delivery”.

All shops and business establishments along the highway, including the road stretch from PR Hill junction to Jail Colony and main market areas like BOC, High School junction, Keziekie etc. will remain closed, according to the directive.

It added that strict checking would be done at various entry points in Kohima district like Khuzama, Peducha, Tseminyu and 10 IR Zhadima to prevent non-essential movement of people.