The district magistrates of Aizawl, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Kolasib districts in Mizoram have imposed Section 144 of CrPC banning assembly of more than five persons as a precaution against the novel coronavirus.

Sources said Khawzawl and Champhai district magistrates had banned assembly of more than 10 people.

The prohibitory orders come into effect from Saturday and will be valid for two months, except for Aizawl district, where it will be in force till April 10.

The state government on Saturday stopped issuance of inner-line permit till further orders.

However, people who transport essential commodities were exempted from the ban.

Meanwhile, chief minister Zoramthanga urged the people not to panic and asked them to strictly follow all preventive measures.

The state government on Friday issued an office memorandum instructing all heads of departments and offices to ensure that only 50 per cent of group B, C and D employees attend office and the rest work from home.

Sources said some villages have banned road connectivity with neighbouring areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The Chanmari local council in Aizawl also instructed all shops and markets to close from Monday till further orders.

A health department official on Saturday said no positive case had been detected in over 55,400 screened people. He said 172 people have been put in home quarantine and over 1,250 people advised to observe self-quarantine at their houses.

The state government on Saturday banned movement of goods and passengers at Zokhawthar along the border with Myanmar.