Meghalaya govt plans aggressive vaccination to counter COVID
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reiterated that the second wave transmission is much higher for multiple reasons but the government has a plan in aggressively going for vaccination programmes.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sangma said, “In the second wave, at least there is a plan where we can see if the vaccination drive goes well and if we can achieve 70-80 per cent of vaccination of the population in the next two to four weeks’ time, we can protect our people better. That is the difference between this time and last time.”
The Chief Minister said that the situation of vaccination is not going as planned given a slight fear among the people.
He also added that over 1,80,000 doses have been given in the state and nobody has faced serious repercussions although there may have been few people who have fever, allergy and it has not affected people severely.
Sangma said that vaccination gives protection but can fight the virus better even if they are detected positive later and said, “We are better off in taking the vaccination than not taking it.”
Stating that the government is going for a target-based approach, he said that taxi drivers, truck drivers, people who commute a lot between Guwahati and Shillong and to other parts of the state must be vaccinated.
“We have 6 ½ lakhs people who are above 45 years who need to be vaccinated immediately,” he said.
As for vaccinating roadside vendors, Sangma said that the government will also vaccinate them and said that the government does not want to burden the people vis-à-vis their livelihood.
“We are balanced in our approach and we are giving economic opportunities to the people but if the norms are not followed then we have to take strict measures. It is in their interest that they take it,” he said.
Meghalaya witnessed 180 fresh cases in the state and reported 68 new recoveries.
The total active caseload in the state stands at 1131.
CASE BREAKUP
East Jaintia Hills: 10 (Returnee–04, ILI Cases- 01, High Risk–05).
East Khasi Hills: 118 (Returnee–53, Armed Force/Paramilitary Force–07, Health Worker–01, Bishnupur Cluster–01, High Risk–32, Mawlai Cluster–01, ILI Cases- 06, Mawbah Cluster–01, Laitumkhrah Cluster–01, Nongmynsong Cluster–03, Madanryting Cluster–02, Police Bazar Cluster–04, Polo Cluster -03, Screening Purpose–03).
Ri-Bhoi: 14 (Returnee–02, High Risk–05, Screening Purpose–07).
South Garo Hills: 01 (ILI)
South West Khasi Hills: 03 (Returnee–01, Health Worker–02).
West Jaintia Hills: 31 (Returnee–07, High Risk–24)
West Khasi Hills: 03 (Returnee–01, High Risk–02).
(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)
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