The Political (A) department of the state government on Wednesday issued an order and directed all district Deputy Commissiners (DCs) to take necessary action for closure of all bars, beauty parlors, salons in the state.

In the order, the Joint Secretary of the Political (A) department stated: “In view of worldwide outspread of the COVID-19 disease, I am directed to request you to kindly issue necessary instruction from your end for social distancing and closure of all liquor bar (country bar), night club, beauty parlors, salon (unisex) immediately as a precautionary measure for effective prevention/contamination of the virus within the state.”

In separate order, the state Excise department has directed all DCs and Superintendent of Excise of all districts to shut down all Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) shops to remain closed till March 31 with immediate effect.

Around 12,000 passengers were screened at six airports in the state so far and 482 people are under home isolation.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)