Deserted streets, shutter down of shops; 9-day strict restriction begins in Barak Valley

August 27: Amidst much opposition from a wide section of the populace, 9-day phase of strict restrictions akin to lockdown began in the three districts of Barak Valley from 5 AM on 27 August. The restrictions shall remain in force up till midnight of 4th September, 2020. “These restrictions as preventive measures were taken keeping in mind the rising trend of symptomatic cases compared to earlier asymptomatic cases. The need for imminent break in the chain of transmission was felt and hence this pre-emptive measure is being taken. Request public to kindly cooperate,” said Keerthi Jalli, Deputy Commissioner, Cachar.

On the flip side many individuals and organisations opined that lockdown is no solution and creating awareness holds the key to containing the disease. They pointed out that lockdown would not help in containing the disease and would increase the hardships of the common man. Some even raised the demand to allow functioning of the private nursing homes and private practice by doctors as some fear to move to COVID Care Centres and hospitals in view of the present pandemic situation.

Meanwhile, Rapid Antigen testing Centres in the 26 Municipal Wards of Silchar will start to function from 27 August. An order in this regard was issued by the Joint Director of Health Services, Cachar on Wednesday. The Testing centres shall remain open from 9.30 AM to 4.00 PM.

Here are the directives issued by the district administration for ready reference:

1. All weekly, bi-weekly, daily, morning and evening bazaars/haats will be suspended throughout the district.

2. Standalone shops in rural areas (except in areas designated above) will be allowed to operate between 8:00 AM to 4 PM

3. Back end activities to maintain the supply chain of essential commodities will be allowed at all times.

4. All kinds of public construction work, agriculture and allied activities, activities in tea gardens and all activities and industries requiring continuous processes are allowed.

5. All Government offices and establishments including Banks (public and private), post offices etc. will be allowed to function as usual while following strict Covid protocols. All staff are to attend offices accordingly. All Government related works to continue.

6. Vehicles may be used only for emergency services and for ferrying passengers to and fro from Covid testing centres, exam centres and other such whilst following strict Covid protocols.

7. Students appearing for competitive exams(like JEE/NEET etc) will be allowed free movement upon producing Hall Tickets/ID cards

8. All places of worship shall remain closed for public. No religious congregation will be permitted.

9. All religious/ social/ political gatherings including for sports and entertainment will remain prohibited till further order.

10. These restrictions don’t apply to essential service providers like Hospitals (public and private), diagnostics, labs and other such Covid related duties.

11. Inter-state and intra-state movement of vehicles and goods will need no separate permission/ approval/e-permit as issued by MHA under D.0 no 40.3/2020-DM-I(A), dated 22/08.2020.