Shillong, Aug 7: Meghalaya Health Minister Prestone Tynsong has asked local authorities not to go against the order to allow families to take the bodies of those who have succumbed to COVID-19 to their compounds for the last rites.

Following a meeting with the health department, Tynsong said that they have got complaints from families that they have been restricted to bring the body to their residence. Tynsong reminded that the government had already issued an order on May 4, 2021 that families are allowed to take the body home but are strictly restricted from taking it inside the house.

Tynsong said that local heads should follow the order dated May 4, relating to system of disposal of dead bodies who have succumbed to COVID.

“Some village authorities out of fear they are not allowing families to bring the bodies to the compound. I would like to remind and request from now on kindly follow the notification issued by health department dated May 4, 2021,” Tynsong said.

The government has also instructed all concerned Deputy Commisioners of the districts to have a consultative discussion with traditional heads since they need their support at the grassroot level. The health minister will also soon hold a meeting with all the traditional heads.

Financial support to traditional heads (sub head)
Asked if enough financial support has been given to the traditional heads to fight COVID-19, Tynsong informed that the government had last year paid Rs 5,000 to the Covid Committee Management Team (CCMT). CCMT is a team which involves traditional heads, religious leaders, community leaders who have been given the responsibility to manage the Covid situation in their localities.

Opting for lockdown at present is also not on the cards, added Tynsong.