Saving life is top priority: Biren

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 20, 2020: “Everything can be done if we live, surviving together is the priority. The state government is well prepared for it”, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said while appealing to the people in the state to abide by the guidelines suggested by experts and government to prevent Manipur from spreading the Novel Corona virus outbreak.

The chief minister made his appeal through a press conference at his secretariat complex lawn, here on Friday.

In wake of the present scenario of Covid-19 outbreak infecting people with the Corona virus and threatening lives of people over the globe, the state government has been taking up preventive measures since January 18 and people has been cooperating the government, Biren said.

He said people should suport the nationwide ‘Janata Curfew’ announced by the Prime Minister of India yesterday (Thursday) on March 22.

“As chief minister of the state I take the pledge to fight together the virus,” he added and urged the people of Manipur to follow the appeal saying that safeguarding the life of human being is the most important of all.

“We cannot take Novel Corona virus lightly. Let’s not stay easy viewing that the disease has not reached Manipur as the saying goes prevention is better than cure. We all need to remain cautious of the disease for the coming two-three weeks as WHO and experts have suggested. We must work together for the prevention,” the chief minister said.

“What is required is to avoid mass gathering. All must stay indoors as much as possible specially those who are above 65 years of age. There will sufficient food and essential items in the state. The government will take up measures for that. Stores will remain open and people should not rush at stores and should stop panic buying,” he added.

“On March 22 from 7 am till 9 pm let’s impose self curfew and there is no need for publicity by the state machineries for this to show solidarity and commitment for our safety. Instead of imposing public curfew I earnestly appeal to all the people in the state to adopt self curfew and at the same time to prohibit gathering of not more than four people”, Biren said.

“On this day let’s pray the almighty in evening after the curfew and appreciate those health care practitioners who have been sacrificing to save lives”, he added.

He said the state government has also started taking up process so that employees attend their offices in alternative day’s rotation schedules so that congestions in the offices are minimised.

In the markets including the Khwairamband Ima market people should try to make less presence and vendors need to come to market in rotation basis and to engage in desirable space gaps, he added.

He also appealed the people to avoid mass gatherings in festivals like the forthcoming Cheiraoba and religious events at worshipping centres. One can worship at their homes too, he said.

He also appealed the youth to be cautious of the guidelines for prevention of the disease.

He advised those persons who have recently visited the infected countries to follow self quarantine procedures at home.

Clarifying on the steps taken by the state government to bring back the students from the state stuck at Philippines, Biren said the state government has already apprised the ministry of external affairs to take necessary steps for evacuating the stranded Manipuri students.

The chief minister said he will try his best to evacuate people of the state staying abroad and appealed concerned people to provide details of those staying abroad to concern state authorities.

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