Shillong( Meghalaya), Mar 23 : The Meghalaya government has restricted entry of people from other states in view of the coronavirus threat. A senior home department official said that it is applicable to all people visiting Meghalaya from other states, and those travelling to other states via this northeastern state.
Those entering the state will be required to mandatorily register with the COVID-19 monitoring system apart from undergoing health screening, a notification issued in pursuance of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations 2020, said. The restricted movement will be allowed from 11 points across the state, six in the Garo Hills region and five in the Khasi Jaintia Hills region, the notification issued on Saturday night said.
The procedure is being followed in view of the state’s preparedness in the wake of the coronavirus threat. There are no restrictions on the movement of people within the state at present, the official said, The Chief Minister’s Office has informed that 10 handwash facilities have been installed in various locations in the state capital.
Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India at Shillong Airport, located about 25 km from here, has ensured thermal screening of all inbound passengers in collaboration with the health department, an AAI official said.
Meanwhile ,in order to maintain social distancing in view of the prevailing situation arising out of the COVID-19 outbreak, Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in East Khasi Hills with effect from 10 pm on Monday.
The district magistrate of East Khasi Hills, M. War Nongbri, in an order under section 144 CrPC has prohibited operations of all markets, commercial and financial establishments in East Khasi Hills district.
The operation of all forms of public transport has also been prohibited by the district magistrate.
Through the order, the district magistrate of East Khasi Hills also prohibited the gathering of five or more persons in all public areas and premises, commercial and residential localities beyond the individual households.
The order will remain in force till 5 am on March 26, 2020, the district magistrate said.
The order comes to ensure observance of strict protocols of the advisories issued by the health & family welfare department of the Meghalaya government.
The preventive measures have been taken to “ensure social distancing and home quarantine so the pandemic of COVID-19 does not spread to East Khasi Hills district”..
Pharmacies and all essential services including health services, medical, Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, Public Works Department (PWD), police and armed forces and Fire & Emergency Service, Food & Civil Supply department have been exempted.
Shillong Municipal Board, Telecom, Telegraph & IT services, banks and ATMs Movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities, security forces, medical equipment & goods vehicles have also been exempted.
“However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols,” the official order said.
All members of the print and electronic media would be exempted from the purview of this order.
