Asserting that the government considers ‘saving life’ as the most primary objective, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday appealed to the people of Manipur to refrain from organising events like Thabal Chongba, musical concert and other entertainment programme and stick to the SOPs laid down by the government to prevent from the second wave of COVID-19.
Speaking to the media at his secretariat in Imphal, CM Biren said the daily spike of COVID-19 positive cases to around 10 in the last few days has brought an alarming situation in the state. If there is a sudden, massive rise in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Manipur, the state government may take up any immediate necessary steps to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 if it occurs, the chief minister announced on Saturday.
The chief minister informed that the total number of COVID-19 positive cases was below 30 before the last four-five days but their numbers have unfortunately increased to around 60.
Many states of India like Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi and Chhattisgarh are witnessing the second wave of COVID-19 with a sudden spike of positive cases during this last week of March, he further said.
Considering all the facts and as a preventive measure from the second wave of COVID-19 in Manipur, the government had imposed certain restrictions on organising Yaoshang sports, Lai-Haraoba and other religious occasions, Biren said.
Moreover, the state government imposed a ban on organising Thabal Chongba, Shumang Leela, musical concert and other entertainment programmes as physical distancing was not maintained while conducting such entertainment programmes, he added.
Concerning the razing of forests by frequent wildfires in different hills of Manipur, Biren appealed to the public to support the government in saving and preserving the forest.
The chief minister lastly extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of the Yaoshang festival which will be kicking off from tomorrow.
“May the festival maintain the peace and harmony which exists between different communities settled in Manipur and also bring prosperity and make a state free from COVID-19,” Biren added.
According to the Health and Family Welfare departments, the vaccination process for COVID-19 has been going swiftly in all the districts of Manipur. So far, 65 per cent of the health care workers got vaccinated. As a preventive measure, passengers coming to Imphal by flight are being conducted RT-PCR testing on arrival.
Meanwhile, Governor Najma Heptulla on Saturday extended her greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Yaoshang festival.
“Let the joyous spirits of the Holi festival rejuvenate and strengthen the age-old bond of love, harmony, and understanding in the society and keep all sections of the people united to march forward peacefully,” she stated in her message.
Games and sports are increasingly becoming an integral item during the celebration of Holi Festival in the state, it stated adding unfortunately, the government has imposed some restrictions only because of COVID-19 pandemic this year, it added.
ALSO READ
Manipur High Court issues show cause to state for non-compliance of directive in Dr Rajo’s case
Manipur cabinet gives nod to conduct ADC election
Allow reopening of food stalls, tea shops of …
