Shillong: With the number of Covid-19 cases continuing to rise sharply, hospital bed occupancy in Meghalaya is “nearing saturation”, the state government said on Saturday and issued a revised consolidated order in respect to containment measures to be effective from May 17 until further orders even as lock-down will be further extended in the East Khasi Hills from 5 am of May 17 to 5 am of May 24.
“Political, public, social and religious gatherings are not permitted, including conferences, meetings and trainings. Entry of tourists from outside the state shall not be permitted and all tourist spots shall remain closed. International border trade shall be suspended and sports activities are not permitted,” State Chief Secretary M.S. Rao noted in his order As per the order, inter-State movement of persons will be restricted but this will not apply for transit vehicles of Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram.
Inter-district movement of persons from and to East Khasi Hills will be restricted and all major markets in the district, including Shillong will remain closed, while essential goods will be made available through shops in the localities.
All Central and State government offices, other than those already exempted will be closed and exempted offices will function with limited staff strength and close by 4 pm.
“E-commerce and home delivery services for all goods are permitted, subject to regulation by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills district. Places of worship shall remain closed and weddings are not permitted during the lock-down period. Funeral gathering to be restricted to 15 persons with prior permission of the Deputy Commissioner,” the order specified.
Week-end lock-down will be enforced in other districts of the State from 5 am of May 22 till 5 am of May 24.
Health services, including emergency services and vaccination, banks, post and telegrah, fire and print and electronic media and other important services will be exempted, the order said.
