COVID-19: Mizoram extends lockdown till April 30

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Mizoram Chief Minister extended the lockdown in the state till April 30. Mizoram has reported only one case of coronavirus of a 50-year-old pastor, who had a travel history to Amsterdam.

Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday announced the extension of the lockdown in the state till April 30 with new guidelines to consolidate the gains made over the past three weeks in the fight against coronavirus.

He said that the intensity of restrictions during the next two weeks could differ from district to district and village to village depending on the situation in the areas.

A state-level task force headed by chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo will frame the new guidelines and decide what measures are required in which areas.

The task force will consult the district and village level committees to reduce the inconvenience.

The chief minister said that the decision to extend the lockdown was taken after the council of ministers, top officials, police officers, the church, political parties and NGOs on Monday unanimously agreed to it.

He said that stricter measures would be taken and security would be beefed along the interstate and international borders.

Mizoram shares inter-state borders with Assam, Manipur and Tripura and also a 722-km unfenced international border with Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Zoramthanga further said that the Mizos stranded in different parts of the country will have to stay where they are till flights and train services resume.

"The government will extend all possible help to them and they will be provided food and shelter at Mizoram houses free of cost," he said.

However, the government would arrange to bring back those stuck in the north-eastern states, he added.

The chief minister said that the government would provide additional funds to local task forces.

Mizoram has reported only one case of coronavirus of a 50-year-old pastor, who had a travel history to Amsterdam.

(PTI Report)