Shillong (Meghalaya), Mar 23 : The Government will adopt a format of “one day open and two days closure” to maintain social distance that can be enforced within the whole population of the State starting starting from today .
The decision was taken in wake of the public health situation arising from the spread of the coronavirus across the globe, to prevent spreading of the virus in the state.
In an official statement , Meghalaya Chief Secretary, M.S. Rao informed that on this day shops/ stalls/ go-downs/ establishments who are dealing with essential items and services including Pharmacies, Grocery Shops, Vegetable & Fruit Vendors, Meat & Fish Vendors, shops selling Rice, Pulses, Wheat, Grams, Millets, Toiletries, Take Away Food Outlets, LPG Cylinders Outlets and deliveries, Petrol Pumps, Banks and ATMs will be open.
“However, Operation of all other commercial and business establishments is prohibited. Movement of all public transport including local taxis and auto rickshaws will be restricted. Only 25 % of such vehicles will be allowed to ply in the three districts of EKH, WGH and WJH. 2. For, the period 24 March, Operation of all commercial and business establishments, all forms of public transport and assembly or gathering of 5 (five) or more persons in all public areas, premises, commercial and residential localities beyond the individual households is being prohibited through orders of the Deputy Commissioners,” Chief Secretary said.
He also said that security forces and medical teams on duty, pharmacies and all essential services including Health Services, MeECL, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Police and Armed Forces, Fire & Emergency Service, Food & Civil Supply Department, Shillong Municipal Board, Telecom, Telegraph & IT Services, Banks and ATMs are exempt for this full closure.
According to him, all essential Government offices will function with a capacity of 50 %. All non-essential offices will be closed till 31 March. “However, all Government servants are required to be available 24*7 on the telephone/ mobile to attend to any kind of emergencies,” the statement stated.
He statement said that the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 has been invoked in the State under which it is mandatory for all travellers who have travel history of coming from COVID-19 affected countries and Indian States to register and notify their travel history with the Government.
According to the statement, entry into the State for local residents and supply of essential commodities will be allowed, henceforth, only from the following nine locations Rattacherra (East Jaintia Hills, Siatsama and Umransu (West Jaintia Hills), Byrnihat (Ri-Bhoi), Dainadubi and Bajengdoba (North Garo Hills), Phulbari and Trikrikilla (West Garo Hills) and Garobada (South West Garo Hills).
“The entry for people from Dawki, West Jaintia Hills and Dalu, West Garo Hills has been stopped. Entry of tourist into the State has also been stopped,” the statement said.
