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Imphal, March 24 (PTI): A state-wide curfew was declared in Manipur on Tuesday after a 23-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
The state was on Monday evening placed under a lockdown till March 31, however, people were still venturing out, they said. The curfew was imposed to further check the movement of people in the wake of the first COVID-19 case in the north-eastern region being reported from the state, they said.
It will remain in force till further orders, they said.
Certain essential services have been exempted from the purview of the curfew, the officials said, urging the public to stay indoors.
The woman, who tested positive, recently returned from the UK.
Do not stigmatise Covid-19-postive patients — Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday urged people not to discriminate against anyone who tests positive for COVID-19.
In a video address, he said “there is no need for stigmatization for none of them had indulged in immoral activities or done something that is socially unacceptable”.
The chief minister requested people with recent travel history to a foreign country to voluntarily share details with the government authorities and seek medical help.
“On the contrary, if individuals hide their travel history or condition, the possibility of affecting others would always be there,” Singh said, adding that sincerity and cooperation would help people tide over the crisis.
Expressing disappointment over the fact that several people ventured out defying the ‘complete lockdown’ order and indulged in group activities, the CM said, “Some people ignored the rules, forcing the government to declare curfew in the state.”
He, however, clarified there would no restriction on the movement of individuals who need to buy essential items.
A state-wide curfew was imposed on Manipur on Tuesday morning after a 23-year-old woman tested positive for COVID- 19, officials said.
The woman, a resident of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai area in Imphal West district, had recently returned from the UK, a statement issued by Health Services Director K Rajo Singh said.