COVID-19 SOPs revised

Imphal: Water Resources, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip said the present government has been making regular modification in SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) of COVID-19 after thorough discussion and consideration for the welfare of the people of the state as per the changing scenario.

He appealed to the people of Manipur to abide by the revised SOPs and not indulge in criticism as COVID-19 is a pandemic.

The minister made the appeal on Wednesday  morning while flagging off buses to evacuate stranded persons of 41-Chandel AC from Shillong (Meghalaya) and Guwahati (Assam).

The two buses were flagged off from his residence at Koirengei, Imphal East and the two buses will bring back 38 stranded people from Shillong and 11 from Guwahati.

Letpao, who is also the local MLA of 41-Chandel AC, earlier had successfully evacuated more than 50 people from Guwahati during the early part of May month, and all returnees had reached their respective homes after completing their quarantine.

Letpao told reporters that the government faced criticism from various quarters regarding the frequent changes in the SOP. But the changes have been made by the government after due consultation with experts for the betterment of the public at large. He added that all should know that scientists, doctors and experts all over the world have been trying their best to find a cure or a solution to this COVID-19 pandemic, but no concrete treatment or solution have been found or introduced yet. As a result, the government is implementing SOPs that will be more convenient in tackling COVID-19 from time to time, and it keeps on changing or modifying as the search for a cure in itself is an ongoing process, he added.

He appealed to the public not to misunderstand the government and it is very much committed to contain this global pandemic at its best level for our state Manipur.

Talking about the stranded people to be evacuated on Wednesday, the minister said upon arrival, they will undergo the same quarantine process as per medical protocols at JNV Chandel and will be swab-tested for the pandemic.

He appealed to the villagers, localities and society at large to warmly welcome them when they reach their respective homes after successfully completing quarantine and not to discriminate or dishearten them.