Meghalaya Cabinet's decisions on lockdown & COVID situation in Jaintia Hills
The Cabinet also decided to allow up to 20 per cent of non-essential commodities' shops to be opened in different areas of the state, but the discretion lies with the respective DCs.
The Meghalaya Cabinet, on Friday, decided to extend the lockdown in East Khasi Hills till June 21 as the number of COVID cases registered is yet to come down below the danger level.
In other districts of the state, the respective deputy commissioners (DCs) have been given the authority to decide on the lockdown.
The Cabinet also decided to allow up to 20 per cent of non-essential commodities' shops to be opened in different areas of the state, but the discretion lies with the respective DCs.
"Some DCs may decide to allow only five or ten 10 per cent of shops to be opened in some market areas or localities, but in no circumstance will it be allowed more than 20 per cent," Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
The Cabinet also decided to permit up to 20 per cent of commercial vehicles to ply, depending on the districts and positivity rates.
"Again, the DCs may decide on the percentage, depending on the situation," Sangma added.
WJH records highest positivity rate
The State Cabinet meeting was held in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills (WJH), on Friday to review the overall situation in the district given the high positivity rate recorded in WJH, which stands at 33 per cent, the highest in the state.
It may be mentioned that Meghalaya's average positivity rate stands at 12.9 per cent as of Friday, June 11.
Districts with high positivity rates:
West Jaintia Hills: 33 per cent
East Khasi Hills: 19 per cent
South West Garo Hills: 12 per cent
East Garo Hills: 11 per cent
Ri Bhoi: 10 per cent
East Jaintia Hills: 9 per cent
The other districts -- South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, report a positivity rate lesser than 9 per cent.
Given the high positivity rate in WJH, the Cabinet has instructed the DC to ensure that a certain degree of strict lockdown must continue in the district.
"Because of these trends, we felt it necessary to come and discuss (this matter) along with the district administration and health officials, on steps to contain the situation, to bring down the numbers and to take steps in case the numbers go up - to make sure we have enough manpower and infrastructure," the CM said.
Health Infra in West and East Jaintia Hills
The Cabinet on Friday also reviewed the availability of beds and manpower in the two districts of the state - West and East Jaintia Hills.
The Chief Minister informed that the installation of oxygen plants at Jowai and Khliehriat Civil hospitals, in West and East Jaintia Hills, respectively, are at an advanced stage.
"We expect the plant in Jowai to be up and running in two to three days maximum. And in Khliehriat, we expect the plant to be up in the next 10-15 days," Sangma said.
The Cabinet has also decided to put up a prefab structure that can accommodate 50 beds in Jowai and, this will also be supported with enough infrastructure so that in any eventuality, it can also be used as a pediatric hospital.
Vaccination
The Chief Minister informed that till 3 pm of Friday, almost close to 8000 vaccine shots were given in a single day and expects the trend to go up in the next two days.
"I encourage the people of the state to come forward and take this vaccine, which is given free by the government of India," Sangma said.
(Edited by Iban Mawrie)
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