Lockdowns in Kohima and Dimapur

August 1, 2020 476 Views No Comment

Correspondent /Staff Reporter
KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, JUL 31 (NPN)

Taking cognizance of public alarm over transmission of coronavirus in various colonies and especially deaths suspected of being COVID-19 related, the district task forces of Kohima and Dimapur on Friday, have announced further extension of lockdown in the respective districts.

In Kohima, the District Task Force (DTF) extended the present ‘total lockdown’ (total closure of all business and restriction on movement of those not exempted from the purview) with effect from August 1 till August 7.

DTF Dimapur also decided to impose ‘partial lockdown’ (opening of markets for a restricted period including movement of vehicles) from August 3 after the completion of the total lockdown on August 2.

Total lockdown

Kohima deputy commissioner and DTF chairman Gregory Thejawelie, in the order informed that the decision to extend the total lockdown was taken at an emergency meeting of the task force here on Friday.

DC stated that the extension of the total lockdown was necessitated taking into consideration the recent surge in COVID positive cases outside the quarantine centre. In the order, the DC stated that “all provisions of the total lockdown order of July 23, 2020 will be in force.” The Kohima DTF has entrusted respective wards to identify shops within their jurisdiction to facilitate supply of essential commodities to the public.

DC has also entrusted wards/colonies/panchayats to identify certain shops within their jurisdiction and accommodate request of the citizens and systematically adhere to the social distance norm by avoiding unwanted physical contacts.

The contact persons of the wards/colonies/village panchayats and for online delivery of essential commodities will be identified and notified by Kohima Municipal Council separately.

Meanwhile, Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) informed that the first few says of the 7-day total lockdown period assed off peacefully with no untoward incident being reported from any ward of Kohima. AKMWPF acknowledged the citizens, volunteers and all its members for their support and in helping ensure a peaceful total lockdown.

Partial lockdown

Dimapur DTF headed by deputy commissioner (DC) Anoop Kinchi, announced partial lockdown in Nagaland’s commercial hub with effect from August 3. As the ongoing total lockdown in Dimapur will end on August 2, the DTF Friday decided impose partial lockdown with strict measures in place from August 3.

Shop timings: DTF decided that only shops selling essential items and vegetables will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while wholesale market will be allowed to operate from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Pharmacies will be allowed to open as usual.

Odd and even system of vehicular movement will continue to be enforced while movement of public will be restricted, except those coming out for availing essential commodities.

DTF Dimapur further cautioned that ‘total lockdown’ will be re-imposed if people did not adhere to the SOPs and other COVID protocols. It also decided that shops not following the SOPs will be penalised and their shutters closed down.

Besides implementing other safety measures, DTF also suggested that place plastic sheets be placed wherever possible between the shopkeeper and customers as a precautionary measure.

Members of civil society organisations, including Naga Council Dimapur and Western Sumi Hoho, renewed the demand for installation of BSL-3 lab at Dimapur Hospital and suggested that the DTF write to the state government on the issue. WSH also called for early installation of the dialysis machine donated by them. In response DC Dimapur informed the meeting that the process would be completed within a week.

More areas sealed in Kohima: Following the detection of more COV1D-19 positive cases, DC Kohima has demarcated several locations as “sealed area” in order to contain the spread of the disease and for contact tracing. The sealed areas include four locations at Phezoucha Colony, one house at Naga Bazaar (Ward No. 4), two government quarters at Officer’s Hill (Ward No. 10), three government quarters at New Reserve Colony and one government quarter at Upper Forest Colony (Ward No. 17).

House unsealed in Dmu: DC Dimapur has ordered unsealing of House No 51 at Churches Colony, Dimapur on July 31, 2020.

In an order, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi, stated that primary contact of Covid-19 positive at House No 51 has been tested and the three persons, who were positive, have been transferred to Covid care centre.

DC, however, advised strict 14-day home quarantine for those who had come in contact with Covid-19 positive and tested negative.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/lockdowns-in-kohima-and-dimapur/219945.html