Mizoram Reverts To Total Lockdown For 2 Weeks As Others Start Unlock1

Mizoram has reverted to a total lockdown following a sudden spurt in the number of coronavirus cases. The move comes as other states opened malls, restaurants and places of worship after two months as part of centre's 'Unlock1" guidelines.

The decision to impose the lockdown for two weeks starting June 9, was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

"Consultative meeting chaired by CM decides to impose 2 weeks total lockdown of the state w.e.f  00:00 hours of 9th June 2020 in view of the prevailing situation. Lockdown Guidelines will be notified shortly," Mizoram's Directorate of Information and Public Relations tweeted.

Consultative meeting chaired by CM decides to impose 2 weeks total lockdown of the state w.e.f 00:00 hours of 9th June 2020 in view of the prevailing situation. Lockdown Guidelines will be notified shortly pic.twitter.com/Xe8OMCSx9s

— DIPRMizoram (@dipr_mizoram) June 8, 2020

The duration of mandatory quarantine has been increased from two to three weeks.

"Consultative meeting chaired by CM decides to extend the period of quarantine which currently is 14 days to 21 days with immediate effect," it added.

Consultative meeting chaired by CM decides to extend the period of quarantine which currently is 14 days to 21 days with immediate effect

— DIPRMizoram (@dipr_mizoram) June 8, 2020

Several north-eastern states have witnessed a sharp spike in the number of coronavirus cases since the centre allowed stranded migrants to return.

Mizoram has reported 42 coronavirus cases out of which 41 are active. One patient has been cured of the disease.

Eight people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Sunday, an official of the Health department told news agency Press Trust of India.

Of those who tested positive, five are females and three males. Five are from Champhai district near Myanmar border, two from Khawzawl district and one from south Mizoram's Siaha district.

All the patients are aged between 21-30 and are Delhi returnees. They have been placed under quarantine since their arrival.

The centre last week announced new rules for allowing shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and places of worship to open gradually following the lockdown. The guidelines, which come into effect from today, include measures like staggering visitors to malls and no touching of idols at religious places.

There have been concerns that easing the lockdown might make the coronavirus situation in the country worse.

India has been reporting over 8,000 cases daily for the past several days. On Monday, 9,983 cases were detected in 24 hours.

With inputs from PTI