Dimapur shops open from today

August 17, 2020 329 Views No Comment

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, AUG16 (NPN) : While there is a general feeling of relief that all shops in Dimapur (from August 17, Monday) will reopen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and remain closed on Wednesday and Sunday, there is also a lurking fear among many that this could lead to rise in transmission of COVID-19.

The relaxation has the potential of enlarging the scope for more transmission of the virus when thousands of people throng crowded market places.

This is in the light of reports that several persons in Dimapur who were tested positive could not identify the source of transmission. This leads to the definition of community transmission but both the state government and the government of India, continue be on denial mode.

Till August 16, 2020 the total number of COVID-19 cases in Nagaland stood at 3394 with 1958 active cases, 1422 recovered and 8 deaths.

Quarantine and contact tracing for COVID-19, as per Standard Operating Protocol (SOP), may be effective only when there are not too many cases. Today, the virus has spread and the tally continues to rise. The virus has escaped from the quarantine centres, to market places and even colonies. This has left the over worked frontline workers and authorities to undertake contact tracing, sealing of houses/colonies and treatment at various COVID-19 care centres.

Most of those infected with COVID-19 and who are the main carriers are asymptomatic (who have very mild symptoms or who do not observe the symptoms but who carry the virus).

The most vulnerable to COVID-19 are the aged people above 60 and those below 10 years including those suffering from various diseases such as– high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, stroke, and cancerous conditions.

According to medical science, COVID-19 will be around for as long as there is no authentic and proven vaccine against it. The only way is individual precautions such as avoiding crowded places (especially in the light of new revelations that the virus can be carried by aerosols in the air), wearing of masks, frequent washing of hands with soap especially after touching surfaces such as door handles, articles and maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from another person.

To avoid overcrowding, the Dimapur District Task Force at its meeting on August 13 decided that vegetable vendors would be allowed to sell vegetables only in the colonies/villages and not in the daily markets. It was also decided to prohibit vendors from selling various items along the Super Market footpaths.

The DTF, as recommended by the sub-committee headed by DCM administrator, also decided to extend shopping hour for wholesalers from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

On demands for reopening of Hazi Park (Hongkong market), New Market, Millennium Market, DTF has left it pending till prior approval was obtained from the government.

The deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Soundararajan, had informed that the sub-committee would still be in place and directed them to monitor and submit reports from time to time.

Meanwhile, Dimapur Police informed that the odd-even system for vehicles in Dimapur will continue, except on Sundays. The category under essential services as notified earlier would be exempted. Two-wheeler would also be exempted from the new traffic regulations.

The new traffic regulations for non-essential vehicular movement within Dimapur town and NH-29 till Chumukedima town will come into effect from August 17 to August 31, stated Commissioner of Police Dimapur, R. Tetseo IPS.

Government servants on bona fide duties and vehicles involved in providing essential services/involved in COVID-19 related duties will be exempted on production of relevant documents and valid ID proof.

All heavy vehicles, except those engaged in four-lane construction works with valid permit, are restricted from plying within the town area and highway area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/dimapur-shops-open-from-today/220640.html