By Francis Khongwar
Shillong (Meghalaya), May 8 : The Government today extended the ongoing lockdown in East Khasi Hills District till 5.00 a.m. of this 17th of this month. The ongoing lockdown will expire on 5.00 a.m. on the 10th of this month. The extension of lockdown was taken after a review meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma at the Main Secretariat in Shillong today.
Speaking to the media, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said the extended lockdown, Banks, Post Office will be allowed to open with limited employees.
The Government has also decided that the 100-day work under MRNEGA and farming activities will be allowed throughout Meghalaya, but strict adherence of SOPs has to be followed. He stated that construction activities will be allowed provided the labourers stay within that premises, where the work is going on and requested the employers and contractors to adhere to the protocols issued by the District Authorities.
Tynsong also said the Government has taken the decision to postpone the Class XII Examination, as a precautionary measure to contain the virus. “Shops selling of essential commodities will be allowed to open provided they strictly observe the Covid-19 protocols.
The weekend lockdown from 10 p.m. of every Friday up-to 5 am of every Monday will continue throughout the State. Stating that the situation is very serious and grim, the State machinery has not been able to reduce the number of COVID cases, he appealed to all citizens to be very careful at an individual level, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister added. Meanwhile, Meghalaya registered 11 Covid-10 related deaths since Friday pegging the total number of deaths to 210.
As the virus keeps on surging, the state Government is now adopting with a two-pronged approach by checking the returnees and also the contract tracing of infected people.
The hospital of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary located at Lum Diengjri Hospital in Shillong has been closed till further orders from the Department. The closure of the hospital came into effect, as the doctors and staff of the department are undergoing quarantine. Meanwhile, the department has expressed regret for the inconvenience due to the closure of the hospital.
On the other hand, Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister, A.K. Hek today inspected the Dr. H.G. Robert Hospital located at Jaiaw in Shillong. Speaking to the media, Hek said the only way to prevent from the infection of Corona-virus is to take the vaccination.
