Meghalaya Government announces new restrictions amid COVID surge
Stating that the decision was taken due to the surge of COVID cases, Tynsong said, “We understand the grief of the family members but we apologise as we have to take the decision. The residents are to honour the decision as we do so for the safety of the people.”
SHILLONG:
Amid the rapid surge of COVID-19 cases in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, on Monday, said that the government has decided to impose curfew in the entire Shillong agglomeration area from 8 pm to 5 am starting from May 4.
In addition to the curfew, Shops will close at 7 pm and office hours have been reduced from 5 pm to 4:30 pm in the entire Shillong agglomeration area.
Informing about the new guidelines after a review meeting, Tynsong said that there were 246 positive cases reported on Monday, taking the active caseload of 1,884, with six fatalities.
Tynsong also informed that the disposal of dead bodies will be allowed till 2 pm.
Stating that the decision was taken due to the surge of COVID cases, Tynsong said, “We understand the grief of the family members but we apologise as we have to take the decision. The residents are to honour the decision as we do so for the safety of the people.”
As for COVID related deaths, the residents have been advised to not open the coffin and also not to take the body inside the house. The body can be kept outside in the verandah and rituals can be carried out accordingly.
The government has also requested all concerned stakeholders to kindly adhere to the protocols laid by the government.
The onus is on the individual
Asked if the government will go for a lockdown, Tynsong said that the government is monitoring the situation 24x7 on the surge, position and situation of COVID cases.
“Till today, lockdown is not an option but I would fervently request all the concerned citizens of the state to kindly be sure of yourself that you don’t get the infection," he said.
"People need to take action on their own and not be forced by the government stating that the trend is very dangerous," he added.
Speaking about the issue of vehicle pass, the minister said, “There are incidents where people carry fake passes and old passes. I appeal to the residents not to do so."
He reiterated that both the government and the public have to work tother to ensure that the surge in cases can be stopped immediately.
As for the vaccines, he said that the state government has taken up the matter with the centre and manufacturing companies. He added that the government is waiting for the supply to reach the state.
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