EN Desk Nagaland

Nagaland : Unlock 3 from July 18; schools and colleges to reopen

The Nagaland government launched Unlock-3 on July 18 as part of their third phase of “unlocking,” which would go until August 1.

The move was taken during a meeting of the COVID-19 High Powered Committee (HPC) chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

Neiba Kronu, a government spokesman, stated that higher secondary schools and colleges would reopen on July 26 if all teaching and non-teaching personnel have received at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine or produce a COVID-negative report every 15 days.

Kronu, who is also the Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue, and Parliamentary Affairs, stated that the committee made this conclusion after considering the District Task Forces’ recommendations (DTFs).

Physical education programmes for students in grades 10 and lower would continue to be halted, and the government will make a decision after August 1, he added.

The minister went on to say that any institution or college that is ready to reopen must first get authorization from the District Task Force.

Nagaland launched the “unlock” in two phases, the first from July 1 to 7, and the second from July 8 to 17.

During the third round of “unlocking,” the state administration also opted to resume tourism.

Mmhonlumo Kikon, a government spokeswoman who is also the Advisor, IT, Science, and Technology, NRE stated that the state will now accept travellers who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Unlock 3 – 18 July till 1st August. There is a slight uptick in the last week! Caution! Tourists who have taken two doses will be welcome to Nagaland.”

He stated that people who have only received one dose and at least 15 days have passed since the dose will not be tested upon entry to the state but will be quarantined for seven days, and that people coming back to the state will no longer be required to undergo a COVID test or quarantine if they are fully vaccinated.

During this phase, the rules will be strictly enforced, and offenders will face appropriate penalties, said Advisor Kikon.