Newmai News Network
Imphal | March 12
Manipur Government spokesperson Thongam Biswajit Singh has made a fervent appeal to the people of the State to reduce mass gathering especially during the festive Thabal Chongba considering that the Coronavirus has spread across the globe.
Briefing media persons at his Secretariat office in Imphal on Thursday, Biswajit said that even Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to the State has been postponed till April 15.
It may be mentioned that experts from across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid spread of the novel Coronavirus and have advised mass gathering may be avoided or possibly postponed till the disease spread is contained.
Although there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in the state as of now, the state government has already taken up certain steps in the border areas and the state’s airport, including screening people entering the state.
It may be mentioned that the government has already sealed the border areas with Myanmar. He said that the Yaoshang festival is a “very important cultural festival, but we need to take precautionary measures especially during the Thabal Chongba as it involves mass gathering."
The minister then expressed the need for frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, not touching one's eyes, nose and face, etc.
Stating that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic considering its seriousness, the minister said that the Government of India has also suspended tourist visa into the country till April 15.
Orders shutdown of schools till Mar 31
As per PTI report, the Manipur government has ordered the shutdown of all schools in the state till March 31 beginning Thursday as a precautionary measure, officials said. All government, aided and private schools should be closed till the specified date to reduce mass gatherings, an order issued by Commissioner (Education-Schools) T Ranjit said. However, ongoing examinations conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur will not be affected by the order, he said.
