Tripura extends lockdown till August 4

AGARTALA: The Tripura government extended state-wide lockdown till 5 am on August 4 to complete the Covid status survey across the state, chief minister Biplab Deb said on Wednesday. However, certain relaxations will be in place during this period.


He said the lockdown was intended to complete the survey being conducted by 12,000 health workers.

The chief minister further said that 30% of the shops in every market and area will be allowed to remain open to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities.

Over the past one week, Tripura has recorded 4,066 positive cases and 21 people have died. After the Sepahijala district magistrate and superintendent of police tested positive on Wednesday, the personal security officer to the chief minister tested positive, spreading panic in the VIP enclosure area.

The council of ministers in a meeting on Tuesday discussed the issue of extending the lockdown after reviewing the current situation. Besides, the cabinet emphasised on extension of rapid kit tests and stressed on enforcement of stringent compliance of the Covid guidelines, said a senior minister of the state.

The minister said that cases could continue to spike till middle of next month.

Meanwhile, reports of health survey teams facing resistance in various parts of the state surfaced, even as a member of the survey team tested positive in Ramnagar on Tuesday.

Reports quoted villagers as saying that they have no problem with the survey, but the entry of health staff from one house to another could spread the disease.

Deputy CM Jishnu Dev Varma in a video message urged people to cooperate with the government, so that the statewide door-to-door survey can be completed.