Mizoram govt contemplating to extend lockdown
The nationwide lockdown was imposed by Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on March 25 to break the chain of coronavirustransmission and it was scheduled to be lifted on April 15.
The state government is weighing between the necessityof extending the lockdown and its possible social and economicrepercussion, the official said adding that a decision islikely to be taken by the end of this week.
Mizoram has so far reported one positive COVID-19case.
"The medical operational team constituted to tacklethe deadly virus has informally suggested to the state-leveltask force that the lockdown should be extended for 14 moredays beyond April 14," he said.
Ruling Mizo National Front legislator Dr ZRThiamsanga, who heads the medical operational team, had saidan extension of the lockdown for 14 days is required toprevent the spread of novel coronavirus in Mizoram which doesnot have a good medical infrastructure.
Though the state-level task force headed by the chiefsecretary is yet to receive the proposal formally, discussionshave already started on this among top bureaucrats, theofficial said.
"Several issues, including the economic condition ofdaily wage labourers, traders and farmers have come up duringthe discussions," he said.
No doubt the government is in favour of the extension,but looking at the inconvenience faced by the people as awhole, declaration of total lockdown is unlikely as people,including government employees, may not withstand therestrictions for long, the official said.
"The government is studying the feasibility of theextension and the final decision is likely to be taken by thisweekend," he said.
Vice-chairman of health and family welfare board, Z RThiamsanga, earlier said prevention is the best way to keepsafe a small state like Mizoram where good medicalinfrastructure is absent. CORNN NN