Manipur: Thousands Throng Imphal Market During Lockdown Relaxation Hours with No Social Distancing

Imphal, April 12, 2020:

Thousands thronged the market areas in Imphal and other areas in Manipur with no social distance or COVID-19 protocol followed during the lockdown relaxation hours.

A picture shared by Nagas Today, a news media page, showed an overcrowded marketplace with no community distancing followed. The market was jampacked with people and vehicles on Saturday as the administration had relaxed and ordered shops and petrol pumps to remain open from 6 AM to 11 AM. 

People rushed to the markets to purchase vegetables and other essential items during the relaxation. Only a few people were seen with their face masks on, which has been made mandatory by the Government.

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Social distancing of maintaining one metre distance from each other was not seen at any of the market sites opened at Nagamapal area in Imphal west, Lamlong in Imphal West, Yairipok, Churachandpur among others.

However, according to Nagas Today, people maintained a metre's distance and stood in queues for medicines at the pharmacies.

The relaxation of the lockdown was however updated late in the evening directing the petrol pumps to remain open only for emergency services. Despite the updated order, almost all petrol pumps in Imphal East and West area were flooded with two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles.

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There were reports of some who had been waiting in queue since early morning returning with dismay as the relaxation ended at 11 AM and the police on duty closed down the petrol pump at 11 AM.

It may be mentioned here that the Manipur Government had relaxed the ongoing lockdown due to coronavirus to help people get the essential commodities on Saturday. This step was taken on account of the Easter Sunday and Cheiraoba celebrations. Vegetable vendors were asked to adhere to social distancing norms during the sale, which was clearly flouted.

The Manipur Government had also made it mandatory to wear masks in public spaces from Saturday onwards in a bid to protect its citizens from getting infected with the coronavirus. However, this order by the Government was also set aside while shopping the essentials.

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Manipur Government, in an order issued on Friday stated, “Whereas, many experts have opined that the use of masks to cover one’s nose and mouth not only helps in preventing spread from a COVID-19 infected person to others but also helps a healthy person from being infected by the virus; Now, therefore, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order that all persons who come out in public space will have to wear a mask covering the person’s nose and mouth in public interest.” The order also said that the order would stay in effect until further notice is issued.

It may be mentioned here that Manipur currently has two positive cases of coronavirus and the State has been taking initiatives to help people cope with the pandemic. Manipur recently introduced a website and an application for the public to keep a track of the corona status.

Following the reports of a 65-year-old man from Lilong area in Imphal testing positive for coronavirus, the state went for a complete lockdown from April 5 to intensify the containment process of the deadly virus in the state.

Meanwhile, India has recorded a total of 7,367 active cases of coronavirus with 273 deaths. 715 people have recovered according to the official figures of the Government.

The lockdown has also been extended to at least two weeks. However, formal announcement on the same is awaited.

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