Lack of discipline main reason for surge in Covid cases, says Manipur CM

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday attributed the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases to a "lack of discipline" among the people.

The CM, who today inspected the brand new COVID-19 Care Centre opened at the UNACCO School in Meitram that began functioning yesterday, made this observation on the microblogging site Twitter. "Lack of discipline is the main reason for spike of Covid-19 cases. Let's maintain safety guidelines and prevent the further spread", Biren exhorted in a tweet.

The CM has made his appeal amid reports of flagrant violation of quarantine centre rules by the inmates in Manipur. Singh had earlier said that those found violating the Government-prescribed quarantine center norms will be charged under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, and thereafter be jailed.

Singh's warning came against the backdrop of several instances in the state where returnees have been seen flouting the norms. Biren, who made this announcement while inspecting the UNACCO School at Meitram in Imphal West that is being turned into a temporary quarantine center, said that these violators would be lodged at the Sajiwa Central jail in Imphal. The Chief Minister also said that many have been wantonly flouting the guidelines despite best efforts from the frontline workers to maintain discipline.

Earlier in the month, inmates of a quarantine center in Churachandpur were caught partying on camera. Similarly, quarantined inmates at the Waikhom Mani Girls College in Thoubal were seen flouting rules and staging a protest. These videos have been going viral on social media and led to panic among the masses, as violation of social distancing could lead to outbreak of Covid-19 in these centers.

With the return of around four lakh natives from the south and north India, coronavirus cases in eight north-eastern States have spiked upwards at a dramatic rate. 

It needs mention here that with the increase in the COVID-19 cases, Additional Director (Health), Dr Arkey said that the department identified UNACCO School, Meitram as a COVID Care Centre of the State and around 100 beds have been set up in the first phase to turn the hospital into a dedicated facility.

The decision to turn UNACCO School into a dedicated Covid-19 facility was taken following a meeting between state health officials, health mission and authorities of UNACCO School chaired by chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday. The Chief Minister today said that 48 patients are being treated in the hospital.

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