Meghalaya govt. announces strict containment measures in Shillong, Jowai & Tura

SHILLONG:

The Government of Meghalaya on Wednesday announced containment measures with effect from May 1 at 5:00 am till May 10 at 5:00 am in Shillong Urban agglomeration, Jowai town, and Tura town amid the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the state. 

The decision comes following an online videoconference with the Deputy Commissioners chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. 

The following are some of the highlights of the briefing:

*All public, political, religious gatherings prohibited except for weddings and funerals subject to strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

* Non-essential central government employees are encouraged to work from home.

*All sporting activities are prohibited.

*Educational institutions shall remain closed from May 1 to May 10.

*Permission for emergency travel to be obtained from the respective Deputy Commissioners. Inter or intra-district travel to Shillong, Jowai and Tura is restricted.

*Essential shops allowed to open. Days and timings to be decided by District Administration.

*Construction activities, including shops dealing in hardware, electricals, mobiles allowed as per timings fixed by the respective DC.

*Banks, banking post and telegraph permitted to be open.

*Essential government offices to operate as per regulatory by the personnel department.

*Movement allowed based on the issuance of passes for agriculture and veterinary activities, students, teachers, staff transporting essential items, accredited press personnel both print and electronic media, persons engaged in construction activities, domestic workers, fire and emergency services, FCI, information and public relations department.

*International border trade to be closed across the state; DCs are authorised to restrict weekly markets and border hats depending on the situation.

*Returnees are allowed to enter the state.

*Maximum 50 per cent of economic activities are manageable. Daily wage earners allowed to work.

*There is no shortage of essential commodities. 

*Govt warns of action against traders who take advantage of the situation. 

*Private vehicular movement not allowed.

The State Government has also urged the public to remain calm and to refrain from panic buying.

"Containment is just like lockdown. We have to take the step now to stop the spread of the virus by any means," Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.

(Edited by Andre Kongri)

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