Mon, March 19 (MExN): Deputy Commissioner, Mon Thavaseelan K, IAS in order issued on March 17 stated that in pursuance to directives from the Home department, Government of Nagaland notification and as a precautionary measure to prevent and control the outbreak of COVID-19 issue of new or fresh Inner Line Permits for Tourists (Domestic and Foreigners) and all other categories will remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders.
The entry of any foreign or domestic tourist will remain barred in Mon District from March 18 till further orders.
In another notification, the DC MOn has stated that all educational institutions both government and private under Mon District are directed to remain closed from March 17 till April 12. Private tuitions are also banned in the district during this period. He stated that all hostels, both government and private have been directed to send the students home during the closure of the educational institutions.
Further, all non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences etc are to be deferred during this period. However, ongoing board, council and university examination will continue as per schedule.
Another notification stated that some unscrupulous persons are spreading rumours and creating panic in regard to COVID-19 through the use of social media. DC requests all citizens of Mon to refrain from spreading such unverified rumours. Any person found creating or spreading such message and rumours in social media will be penalized as per relevant section of the law.
The public are also advised to refrain from holding any social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic and family functions/programmes which may involve gathering of a large number of people. Public are advised to avoid all forms of non-essential travel outside the state.
All persons, including students studying outside Nagaland, who have entered the district on or after March 1 from outside are advised to immediately contact Dr Kumkiuba at 9862078993.
He also stated that in view of the recent outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19) resulting in panic buying, there has been shortage of some commodities in the market such as hand sanitizers and masks.
Therefore, in this regard the DC has directed all traders and shopkeepers to refrain from hoarding of essential commodities and further directed not to sell any item at a price higher than the Maximum Retail Price. DC stated that those violating this directive will be dealt with according to relevant sections of Law.
‘Social Distance’ measures
In an advisory on ‘Social Distance’ measures in view of spread of COVID-19 disease, the DC has stated that social distancing is the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of infection or disease.
The following measures are prescribed to contain the spread of COVID-19:
• Students are advised to stay at home.
• Ongoing exams to be contacted only after ensuring physical distance of 1 metre amongst students.
• Private Sector Organization/Employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.
• Meetings, as far as feasible, shall be done through Video conferences, Minimise or reschedule meetings, conferences, seminars involving large number of people unless necessary.
• Restaurants to ensure hand washing protocol and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. Ensure physical distance (minimum 1 metre) between tables, encourage open air seating where practical with adequate distancing.
• Keep already planned weddings to a limited gathering, postpone all non essential social and cultural gatherings.
• Sporting events and competition involving large gathering may be postponed.
• Church leaders and religious leaders to regulate mass gathering and should ensure no overcrowding/at least 1 metre distance between people.
• All commercial activities must keep a distance between people.
• Non-essential travel should be avoided.
• Hospital to follow necessary protocol related with COVID-19 Management as prescribed and restrict family/friends/children visiting patients in hospitals.
• Hygiene and physical distance has to be maintained. Shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting to be avoided.
