Shillong: With three COVID-19 related deaths and 192 new cases reported on Wednesday, Meghalaya Government has enforced more restrictions in the State, especially in the State Capital.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reviewed with the health situation following a surge in COVID-19 infections in the State and ordered that colleges, gyms, parlours, salons, cinema halls, swimming pools and bars in the State Capital would close down from April 22 to May 3.
“The situation is alarming,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.
The total active cases have crossed the 1000 mark and stood at 1021 in the State till the filing of this report.
Though colleges would remain closed from April 22, however colleges which are exam centres for the ongoing board examinations are exempted from closure. Online classes would continue in schools and colleges.
Non essential shops would remain closed from April 26 in the State Capital, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said, adding that the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district would provide the list of non essential shops which would remain closed from April 26.
The government has also been decided that all tourist spots located within East Khasi Hills district would remain closed from April 22 till April 30.
“Any returnee or person entering the state would have to undertake the RT-PCR test at the entry points,” Tynsong underscored.
“We won’t accept certificates issued by different state governments (COVID-19 tests.) Exception will be for those persons who have obtained certificates of complete vaccination of both the doses,” the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Earlier, a person entering Meghalaya and having a negative RT-PCR report was considered as a valid entry document if the test was conducted within 48 hours.
This order has been revoked.
Tynsong said attendance in Government offices have been reduced to 33 per cent from the current 50 percent. The heads of departments would be preparing a roster for the attendance.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister urged residents or people coming to the state “not to make plans of visiting the state right now” and advised people within the State “to take care and avoid going out” of the State.
“Avoid going outside of the house unnecessarily and also coming to Shillong. We urge people to kindly help the government. Government cannot do anything if the citizens cannot help the government,” Tynsong said.
