The Indian government has decided to extend its nation-wide lockdown to fight the COVID-19 pandemic until August 31 after a relaxation in May led to a surge in new cases. During the extended lockdown, educational institutions, cinemas, and bars will remain closed. The government will also prohibit international flights unless under particular conditions.
The Mizoram government on Friday also announced an extension of its state-wide partial lockdown until August 31, following similar steps taken by the state of Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. The Mizoram authorities will block all but three international and inter-state borders during the extended lockdown period. Movement of commodities will still be allowed in the two borders with Assam and a border with Tripura.
The state government will also impose night curfew in all district headquarters from 08.30 PM to 04.30 AM and prohibit an assembly of more than five people in those areas. The government, however, will allow business activities to resume during the period as long as they comply with the strict distancing norms.
All educational institutions and coaching centres in the state are also ordered to shut. However, training institutes under the central and state governments will be allowed to open with health protocols in place. Under the extended lockdown, morning church prayers, wedding, funeral, anniversary ceremonies as well as political and other social events are allowed with a maximum attendance of 50 people.
