Nagaland government announces ‘Unlock 1’

Observatory ‘unlock’ period from July 1-10

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 28

The Government of Nagaland has decided to begin a ten-day ‘unlock’ period by easing COVID-19 induced lockdown restrictions across the state from July 1.

This will be effective from July 1 till 10, said government spokesperson for COVID-19 and Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Neiba Kronu while addressing a press conference here on Monday. Terming it as a “way forward to Unlock 1,” Kronu said the High Powered Committee (HPC) took the decision during a virtual meeting with Nagaland Chief Minister and HPC Chairperson Neiphiu Rio.

The ongoing lockdown in the state which was initially imposed on May 14 was scheduled to end on June 30. 

Kronu said the period from July 1-10 will be an observatory period towards the way forward for unlocking and relaxing activities in the state. He stressed on the need to follow the COVID related safety behavior during the period.

While a comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the unlock period was yet to be issued at the time of filing this report, some relaxations announced during the press conference included opening of shops on rotational basis and resumption of government offices with 50 percent staff in attendance. 

Churches, weddings and funeral services will also be permitted with maximum limit of 50 people in attendance. The curfew period where total restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles will be imposed has also been reduced and will be in force from 7:00 pm to 4:00 am, spokesperson Kronu informed.

Meanwhile, Nagaland’s Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha informed that the closure of educational institutions would continue to remain in force. He also informed that respective district task forces (DTFs) would be allowed to impose localised restrictions based on local situations in their jurisdictions. There will be no stoppage of trains in the state for the time being, Sinha added.