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Arunachal Govt imposes more restrictions to contain COVID 

The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to impose strict restrictions in the state keeping in view the detection of double mutant of the virus in six samples out of total ten, sent to Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) of the Indian Medical Council Research (IMCR) at Dibrugarh in Assam recently. 

Out of total of 25 randomly selected samples sent to laboratories including, 15 to NIBM Kolkata and 10 to RMRC Dibrugarh, six were detected with the strain of the corona virus B.1.617.2 variant, Principal Secretary (Health) Dr Sharat Chauhan told reporters through video conference on Saturday. 

According to Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) PRO Dr Jego Ori, the B.1.617.2 variant found in Arunachal Pradesh has L452R &T478k spike protein. “The double mutants of the virus spread fast from individual to cluster for which extra precaution needs to be taken including social distance, hand and respiratory hygiene,” Dr Chauhan said. 

He said, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, convened a meeting during the day and took several key decisions on the Covid scenario in the state.

“The government has decided to impose additional restrictions throughout the state to break the chain of the virus,” Dr Chauhan said. 

As per the new decision, curfew would be clamped from 3 PM to 5 AM and all shops and business establishments have been told to down shutters by 2 pm and government offices will have to function with 30 percent Group C and Group D staff till 2 PM while no curb has been imposed on employees belonging to Group A and Group B categories who would work till 2 PM. 

Dr Chauhan added that a lockdown would be imposed at Tawang and would be extended in the Capital Complex region till May 31. All restaurants, dhabas and other eateries shall operate till 2 PM and hotels can entertain in-house guests, he said adding, delivery of essential goods through e-Commerce shall continue the whole day with observance of Covid appropriate behavior. Banks, ATM, telecommunication, internet services would be allowed to operate, Dr Chauhan added. 

He further added that marriage and religious function would be a private affair and only allowed in presence of a maximum ten persons while, funerals and last rites shall be attended only with ten persons. 

“All public transport will be allowed to operate with 30 per cent passengers while auto rickshaw will be allowed to carry only two passengers. Pillion riding in two wheelers will not be allowed except with women and children,” he said. The order shall come into effect from 5 am Sunday till further orders, Dr Chauhan added.