Shillong: All public functions and social/private gatherings have been prohibited in this state capital of Meghalaya following a spike of COVID-19 infections.
With 618 active COVID-19 cases and 128 fatalities due to the viral infection, East Khasi Hills, which includes the state capital Shillong is the most affected district.
The restrictions have been imposed by District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo in all areas falling within Shillong Urban Agglomeration, that includes the whole of Municipal area, the whole of Cantonment area, all areas under Mawlai C&RD Block including Census Towns, Mawpat C&RD Block including Census Towns, Mylliem C&RD Block from Umshyrpi Bridge up to 7th Mile, Upper Shillong including, Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiang, Diengiong and Siejiong.
“Funerals and funeral services are permitted subject to a maximum of 50 persons attending and with intimation to the office of the DC, East Khasi Hills District. Weddings are permitted subject to application to the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Wedding ceremonies in churches will be per SOP for religious places of worship, i e, attendance of not more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the church, while wedding receptions will be subject to a maximum of 50 guests,” Laloo said in her order.
“Any other programme of an urgent and unavoidable nature may be considered only upon application to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Religious places of worship may continue to function at 50 per cent of the seating capacity. Hotels and restaurants will open at 50 per cent seating capacity,” the order stated.
“Any violation and non-compliance to SOPs will make the establishment liable for closure. People are advised to avail home delivery and takeaway service,” the District Magistrate said.
As per the order, shops and markets are allowed to open, however, non-compliance to protocols including maintenance of distancing, mask-wearing and hand hygiene will result
in the closure of the establishment.
“Street vendors and hawkers will comply assiduously to COVID-19 safety protocols and social distancing is to be properly maintained. Area-wise/ market-wise restrictions and regulations as recommended by concerned Incident Commanders/appropriate authority/as per orders of the District Magistrate will apply,” the order said.
Laloo said sporting activities are permitted, subject to SOPs already issued. However, no spectators are allowed.
“All application may be submitted via email at dcofficeshillong@gmail.com/ dc-ekh-
meg@nic.in or at the PFC, Ground Floor, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Shillong,” the order said.
Highlighting the fact that there was an “alarming rise in COVID-19 infections in the State as a whole and Shillong area in particular”, the District Magistrate sought the cooperation of stakeholders for a concerted effort to contain the disease.
Laloo requested all headmen to reactivate the Community Covid Management Committees, which had been instrumental in the pandemic management last year and urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated.
