By Francis Khongwar
Shillong (Meghalaya), May 5 : The state recorded an unprecedented surge of 18,283 positive cases today. Health authorities informed that the total Covid active cases in the state is now 2135, with 269 new positive cases, 15,957 recovery from the virus and 6 death today. The total death stands at 191 so far. Due to sudden surge in COVID 19 cases and breaching the 2,000 active cases, Meghalaya is left with no other option but to impose total Lockdown in the entire East Khasi Hills from 8.00 p.m. tonight till the 10th of this month.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after holding meeting today informed that the decision was taken to curb the spread of COVID cases in the State. East Khasi Hills district has a positivity rate of 12 per cent as compared to other districts and areas under Shillong agglomeration has reached 17 per cent of positivity rate and 60 per cent of hospital bed have been occupied by COVID patients, the Chief Minister said.
He stated that the situation is serious and the decision to impose lockdown was taken to bring down the process of transmission. During the said lockdown, all vehicular movements will be restricted, inter-district movements from East Khasi Hills to other destinations will also be restricted. He said that all markets will be closed but essential goods will be made available through local shops and other delivery services. He further said the examinations scheduled for 6th and 7th May will be held on the 11th and 12th. The Chief Minister also urged the citizens of Meghalaya to work together with the State Government to fight pandemic and requested every individual to be responsible.
Ri Bhoi DC issues guidelines for disposal of dead body during COVID-19 pandemic
In pursuance of the Notification Order issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India matters relating with the Protocol and Guidelines for the disposal of dead bodies of Covid-19 suspects or confirmed case, the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District said the dead body the body after having been sealed, as per the instructions and transferred to the coffin can be taken to the residence of the deceased person. However, the bereaved family members are advised not to take the coffin inside of the house, but must kept outside. Such arrangements are to be made by the relatives of the deceased, adding that a maximum of 20 persons are allowed to visit and on the same day or latest by 2: P.M of the following day of the death, burial or cremation shall be done to avoid undue delays.
Awareness programme to enlighten the police officials on the current COVID-19 scenario organized
An awareness programme to enlighten the police officials on the current COVID-19 scenario and importance of vaccination held today at Police Headquarters in Shillong. In the awareness programme the resource person dwelled at length about the new COVID-19 variant, the different types of vaccines and the need to immunize the community in order to prevent surge in COVID-19 positive cases. He also dispelled several rumours about the current vaccination drive and cleared the doubts of many officials regarding effects of the vaccine on people with co-morbities, lactating mothers and pregnant women.
Covid-19 vaccination drive for media persons conducted
A Covid-19 vaccination drive, specifically for media persons was conducted today by the Office of the District Medical & Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations Complex. The camp saw a largely positive response with multiple personnel showing up to get their jab. Earlier Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had reiterated that media personnel and Journalists are front line workers who provide the vital service of information dissemination and called for them to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
West Khasi Hills DC instructs closure of educational institutions
In view of the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the District, the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills has directed to close down all educational institutions in the District. In an order issued today, the Deputy Commissioner, WKH T. Lyngwa has directed the District School Education Officer, WKH that all educational institutions including colleges and vocational institutions shall remain closed with effect from 5th May till 23rd May 2021.
West Jaintia Hills DC orders closure of markets
The District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills in an order issued today the 5th of May, 2021 has ordered immediate closure of lawmusiang (Pohiaw), CNI Market (law Chor), Presbyterian Market (law Shyiap) and Seinraij Market (law Seinraij), lawmusiang, Jowai for violation of COVID-19 Protocols like not wearing of face mask and not maintaining of Social Distancing. The markets mentioned have been ordered remain closed until further orders. Violation of this order shall be punished with fine under section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
