Meghalaya govt issues strict Entry and Exit protocols for citizens
Meghalaya's Health and Family Welfare Department has issued stringent Entry and Exit protocols for citizens entering or exiting the state, following the surge in positive coronavirus cases in the state.
As per the notification issued by the Principal Secretary of the Department, Sampath Kumar, registration is mandatory for people entering the state, prior to their travel. Entrants will also need to download the Arogya Setu App and the Behavioural Change Management App of Meghalaya from the Google Play store.
RT-PCR Test is mandatory for the entrants at the Entry Points irrespective of any other COVID-19 negative reports being provided. The sample for RT-PCR testing will be taken at the entry point on a payment basis.
The entrants shall also proceed to their residence or place of stay and shall undergo home isolation or paid quarantine for seven days from the date of their arrival, regardless of their results.
Persons exiting the state on the same day shall also be tested for RT-PCR and the result shall be communicated to them. On entry, they shall strictly confine to their place of work and exit on the same day.
Meanwhile, the government has announced an exemption from testing for two groups, which include:
(a) persons with a valid final certificate of vaccination.
(b) Government officials / Technical staff/logistics experts who are engaged to perform duties related to projects pertaining to the Health & Family Welfare, Power Department, Telecommunications and other agencies providing essential services to the State as certified by Home (Political) Department, Government of Meghalaya.
However, production of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) negative certificate by the personnel, issued from a recognised laboratory within 48 hours, is required upon their arrival at the entry point.
In case, the person does not possess any of the certificates, RAT needs to be done at the entry point. Further, the movement of such persons shall be confined to their place of work and they shall strictly adhere to the health protocols.
Meanwhile, persons showing symptoms on arrival at the entry point will have to be mandatorily tested by RT-PCR even if they belong to category (a) or (b). Such persons shall proceed to their residence or place of stay and shall undergo home quarantine or paid quarantine for seven days from the date of their arrival regardless of their test results. If tested positive, SOP for home or institutional isolation should be followed.
As for quarantine, the notification stated that all persons tested by RT-PCR at the entry point should go into seven-day home quarantine or paid quarantine regardless of the test results.
“The test results are usually available within 48 hours which shall be communicated through an SMS or can be checked online at www.coronamegh.in. If tested positive, SOP for home or institutional isolation should be followed,” the notification read.
Further, the notification stated that all entrants are to closely monitor their health for ten days from the date of entry into the State.
Upon development of any symptoms of COVID-19, such individuals should self-report to the nearest healthcare facility/ ANM/ ASHA worker. They can also report their symptoms on the 14410 - State Level COVID helpline. All entrants will be monitored regularly through IVRS calls from the Health Department.
“It is also mandatory that all entrants should diligently follow the three recommended COVID- 19 Appropriate Behaviour at all times- wearing of a mask, maintaining social distancing and practising hand hygiene,” the notification stated.
(Edited by Marvin Kharsohnoh)
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