Innovative ways including use of the central public address system was made to achieve this, it said. The lockdown was strictly enforced with thermal scanning of all personnel moving in and out, disinfecting public places and vehicles, it added.

A very important aspect of the strategy has been to manage the psychological impact of lockdown, the release said. Interaction over telephones with health workers besides easy availability of cash, food; essential commodities within the Garrison has been ensured, it said. In order to break the monotony and improve awareness on COVID-19, Essay/Poem writing and Painting competitions were organised from within the confines of respective houses. Approx 375 ladies and children participated in many activities such as poetry/essay and painting competition under different categories, it added.   

Regional president ARWWA, IGAR (South) Rachana Singh gave away the prizes to the top three entries in each category, the release said.  

Strict COVID protocol, restricted attendance and social distancing were seen during the simple ceremony in keeping with the guidelines on COVID-19, it said. The chief guest on the occasion, major general KP Singh, AVSM, YSM, IG AR(South) complimented all participants and prize winners in particular, it added.  

He stressed upon the need to follow the COVID-19 protocol strictly so that no spread of coronavirus takes place. The above initiative besides spreading awareness of corona pandemic amongst all ranks, families and children will help in managing stress and promoting creativity, the release stated. Similar activities are being organised in other garrisons of IGAR (South) in Manipur, it added.