Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that total lockdown will be enforced in certain areas where COVID-19 is spreading in an alarming rate. He said some areas have been identified.
“The situation in the past few days is quite alarming in the state. The government has identified the areas and the pockets, which are severely affected. Total lockdowns would be imposed in these areas to prevent further spread”, he said.
The chief minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 222nd Death Anniversary of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra held at Shri Shri Govindaji Temple, Palace Compound, Imphal East today.
Remembering Rajarshi Bhagyachandra as a great ruler, who brought a new dimension to the Manipuri society, he urged the people to pray for peace and a healthy society on his death anniversary.
Responding to a query regarding sudden rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, he said that the whole nation has been badly affected by the virus. He added that it is hard to contain the pandemic as it is caused by a new virus, which has no vaccine.
Although, lockdown had slowed down the spread of the disease up to a large extent, it had affected the economy as well, Biren said. Hence, many countries have adopted strict compliance of SOPs as the only effective measure to restrict the positivity rate, he said.
Unfortunately in Manipur, Biren said, people are seemingly less bothered about following the SOPs.
Urging the local clubs to get involved in government's efforts of fighting the virus, he said the state government has also sought the advice from the Centre regarding imposition of a statewide total lockdown for a couple of weeks.
Social Welfare Minister O Henry, Rajya Sabha MP Maharja Leishemba Sanajaoba and Keirao AC MLA N. Indrajit were also present at the occasion.
