Mizoram Likely to Extend Lockdown beyond May 31

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that his government iscontemplating to extend the lockdown beyond May 31, the day when the fourthphase of lockdown will come to an end.

Talking to reporters on Wednesday, the chief minister said thatthe extension of lockdown is crucial in view of the present situation asthousands of people are returning to the state from different parts of thecountry.

However, he said that the final decision will be taken afterofficials and medical experts will consider the matter.

He said that Mizoram is currently witnessing apeak in return of stranded people from outside and we believe that it is notstrategically safe to abruptly lift lockdown and set people free at suchjuncture. I think we will have to extend lockdown for more days adding thatfinal decision would be made later after consultation among officials andexperts.

As of now, Mizoram is the only state which is COVID-19free after its lone patient, who tested positive on March 24, and recovered anddischarged from Zoram Medical College (ZMC) near Aizawl on May 9 last.

Officials of Health department said all the eightCOVID-19 patients in Mumbai's Mizoram House and three others in Kolkata'sMizoram House have also fully recovered.

They said 18 samples were tested at ZMC on Wednesdayand results are awaited.

The results of 79 samples, which were tested onTuesday, have come out negative, they added.

Officialsof state Home department said more than 3,000 people have so far returned tothe State form different parts of the country.

Theysaid that more than 10,000 people were yet to return.