Nagaland government ask DCs to close public spaces

KOHIMA, March 21 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland on Saturday clamped down on non-essential social gatherings and directed all Deputy Commissioners to shut down all shops “located in crowded areas which offer no scope for enforcing satisfactory social distancing,” besides dine-in restaurants, dhabas and eateries, malls, departmental stores, gyms, beauty parlors, salons/barber shops, etc. 

These include popular shopping areas like the Hongkong Market and New Market in Dimapur and BOC Market in Kohima.
However, shops/outlets dealing with food grains, vegetables, food items, medicines and other essential items and goods were exempt from the order. Restaurants, dhabas, eateries etc “may keep its kitchen open if it plans on home delivery or takeaways, provided all health safety measures are followed,” the notification stated.

The state government notification also directed the Deputy Commissioners to issue orders restricting entry into banks and other financial institutions except for very essential and emergency activities like passing of government bills, payment of user charges and fees, withdrawal of cash for urgent purposes and other such needs. It is expected that all banks are adhering to the health advisories on prevention and spread of COVID- 19, the notification said.

Further, it directed the DCs to submit reports on actions taken by them latest by 6:30 am on March 22.