Stricter restrictions to be put in place in Cachar district to contain COVID-19

August 24: Stricter restrictions have been put in place in Cachar district from 5 am of August 27 to 12 am (midnight) of September 4 to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. An order to this effect was issued by Deputy Commissioner, Cachar cum Chairperson, DDMA, Keerthi Jalli in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 30(2)(V) of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and in pursuant of State Government order on Sunday.

The order stated that the step has been taken as a preventive measure keeping in view the increasing incidence of novel coronavirus, a highly contagious disease, throughout the district in the last few weeks endangering the life of citizens. “It has also been seen that a significant number of patients are turning into symptomatic COVID positive from hitherto asymptomatic COVID positive which has constrained the resources of the district, particularly the availability of ICU beds in Silchar Medical College and Hospital. So, unless the stringent measures are put in place to contain the spread of pandemic by breaking the chain of transmission, there may be large scale incidences,” said Jalli in the order.

The order stated that all shops and establishments except pharmacies will remain shut in urban areas of Silchar, Lakhipur town, Sonai town, Katigorah bazar, Kalain bazar, Bashkandi bazar, Dholai bazar and Borkhola bazar. In addition to that all weekly, bi- weekly, daily, morning and evening bazars will remain suspended. Standalone shops in rural areas will be allowed to operate from 8 am to 4 pm. It further stated that all backend activities to maintain the supply chain of essential commodities will be allowed at all times. All kind of public construction works, agricultural and allied activities, activities in tea gardens areas and industries requiring continuous processes are allowed to function.

All government offices and establishments including banks and post offices will be allowed to function as usual following COVID-19 protocols. Vehicles may be used only for emergency purposes and ferrying passengers to and from COVID testing centres by adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Students appearing for competitive examinations like JEE and NEET will be allowed free movement upon producing hall tickets, ID cards, etc. All places of worship shall remain closed for public; no religious congregation permitted and all religious, political and social gatherings, including sports and entertainment will remain prohibited until further orders.

However, the restrictions do not apply to essential service providers like hospitals (public and private), diagnostic clinics, labs and other COVID related duties. Inter-state and intra-state movement of vehicles and goods will need no separate permission or approval, the order stated.

Urging every citizen to come forward for the Rapid Antigen Test at COVID counselling and screening centers set up across the district where tests will be carried out every day between 9.30 am to 4 pm, Deputy Commissioner cum Chairperson, DDMA, Jalli said, “This measure is 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 preventive measure is being taken. I must be cruel only to be kind. I request the public to cooperate and understand that the decision was equally hard for us.”

The order further stated that any person or establishment violating the directives will be liable for prosecution under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC. This is stated in a Press Release issued from the office of DDIPR, Silchar.