In view of recording the highest ever single-day Covid spike with 600 new cases in the last 24 hours, the Manipur government has clamped a curfew in seven districts from Saturday onwards for ten days.

The districts imposed with the curfew till May 16 are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur, and Ukhrul.

As per the order, all healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers, all pharmacies including those selling veterinary medicines besides all persons going for COVID 19 vaccination, COVID testing, and medical emergencies will remain open.

Employees and personnel staff working in media, power, fire services, PHED, CAFPD, Home, Health, Relief & DM, Police departments, and District administration are permitted to function.

Further, in connection to the movement of vehicles, the order read that only goods vehicles, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and Oil tankers, and vehicles of other essential services like power supply, fire service, water supply, waste/garbage clearance, public distribution system, medical/Covid services, electronic and print media, internet & telecom service providers and vehicles of personnel of departments/organisations are allowed.

Opening of Petrol pumps and LPG outlet and movement of staff of IOCL will be operational.

Imphal airport shall remain open while hotels for lodging will be allowed to remain open with minimum staff, the restaurants will remain closed, it added.