Mizoram tests 120 samples for Covid-19; all negative

Guwahati: In a reassuring sign, 120 samples which were tested yesterday at the Zoram Medical College (ZMC) laboratory for Covid-19 came back negative, Government sources said. Meanwhile, the results for 140 new samples which have been collected today are expected by tonight.

It is pertinent to mention here that Mizoram, that is fighting the Covid-19 on a war footing with the active implementation of social distancing and other precautionary measures, has not reported a single active case of the respiratory infection since its first patient, a 50-year-old pastor who had returned from the Netherlands, recovered at the Zoram Medical College in Falkawn.

Lockdown Extension in Mizoram:

In a notification dated Sunday, June 30, the Mizoram state Government has once against issued orders to continue the lockdown, even as the Central Government has issued new guidelines to lift the restrictions in a graded manner in areas outside the containment zones. "In view of the continued rise of positive cases in other parts of the country, particularly in the neighboring states and the mass return of stranded residents of Mizoram from containment zones of other states, it is felt necessary to further extend the lockdown period till June 30 in order to prevent the spread of the disease in Mizoram", the state government said on Sunday.

According to the latest guidelines, the national and international borders will remain closed, although Mizo citizens stranded in other parts will be allowed to return after passing the requisite tests and screenings. However, institutional or home quarantine will be mandatory for the stranded citizens after returning back. Additionally, the Government has mandated the use of the Aarogya mobile application.

In this newest phase of the lockdown in Mizoram, great emphasis has been placed on social distancing and extra vigilance along the international borders. In this phase of the lockdown in Mizoram, three inter-state entry points via Bairabi, Vairengte (along the border with Assam), and Kanhmun (along the border with Tripura) will remain open only for bringing in essential commodities. In case of the movement of other private vehicles through these gateways, the people need to get permission from the Home Department. At the same time, the state government has also urged the villagers who live along the international border to step up vigil so that infiltration is kept in check.

Meanwhile, curfew will remain in force from 7 pm to 4:30 am, the Government said. At the same time, the curbs will also prohibit the opening of educational and training institutions, entertainment parks, picnic spots, theatres, gymnasiums, spa, and other similar places for entertainment, street vending, social, games and sports, political and other events. The ban on the opening of all religious places including religious congregations will also remain in force.

According to the notice, shops at shopping complexes and commercial hubs within Aizawl Municipal area and district headquarters will open on alternate days. However, standalone shops and other business establishments will be allowed to open until 5 pm in the evening.

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