Arunachal Pradesh shuts down edu institues, cinema halls, weekly markets till April 5

The Arunachal Pradesh government on Monday announced the closure of all educational institutes, cinema halls and weekly markets in the state with immediate effect till April 5, as part of its measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, in an order, however, clarified that board exams would be held as per schedule. Kumar also directed shopping malls to disinfect their stores and food courts from time to time.

He asked people to avoid mass gatherings, sporting events and public meetings, while directing all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to ensure strict compliance of the order. In a separate order, Itanagar Capital Complex DC Komkar Dulom has restricted mass gathering of daily wage labourers who have migrated to the state from outside.

He asked officials concerned to check the movement of the labourers in the state capital. Meanwhile, Papum Pare district deputy commissioner Pige Ligu, in an emergency meeting at his office during the day, ordered screening of all passengers entering the state capital through check gates, railway stations and other transit points.

The health department too, has issued an advisory, asking people to postpone occasions that call for mass gatherings. "In addition to hand and respiratory hygiene, experts across the world have advised people to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19). In view of the above, it is advised that mass gatherings may be avoided or possibly be postponed if possible," a press statement from the health department said.Arunachal Pradesh has not registered any novel coronavirus case so far.

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