Coronavirus update: Schools in Manipur shut until Mar 31; exam schedule to stay in place

MANIPUR: To prevent spread of coronavirus , all schools in Manipur will be shut until March 31.

“In order to ensure reduction of mass gatherings and to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and as a precautionary measure, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order that all schools, including private ones, located within Manipur shall remain closed with immediate effect till March 31, 2020 in public interest,” a notification issued by Commissioner (Education-Schools) T Ranjit Singh stated.

"However, all kinds of examination already scheduled (both theory and practical) conducted by Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) and Council of Higher Secondary Schools (COHSEM) will not be affected," the order copy issued by Governor of Manipur Najma Heptulla reads.

The mandatory practice of biometric attendance in all Manipur government offices has been suspended for a month as a precautionary measure. “The coronavirus may spread through hand contamination and as a preventive measure, the biometric attendance of government offices in Manipur has been suspended for one month,” a state Health and Family Welfare Department official said.

Mizoram and Manipur governments have decided to close borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh amid coronavirus coutbreak.

Mizoram shares a 510-km border with Myanmar and 318-km boundary with Bangladesh.

According to an official order, issued by special secretary (home) H. Gyan Prakash, “In view of possible threat of transmission of Coronavirus/Covid-19, Government of Manipur hereby prohibits movement of people across the international border,” said an order issued on Monday night by H Gyan Prakash, the state’s special secretary (home). Accordingly orders closure of Gate No.1, No.2, Moreh and other crossing points along Manipur section of the Indo-Myanmar border until further orders.”

Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh have announced ban on foreigners entering the country.

Novel coronavirus that originated from China’s Wuhan city has spread across the globe, causing widespread panic for the past few months.

As per media reports, the COVID-19 cases have now spread in more than 100 countries, including India.

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