Shillong, May 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said that the cases of coronavirus continues to show an upward trend in the State, with over 2000 active cases and hospital capacity touching almost 60 per cent.
“Number of active cases in the State has crossed over 2000 mark.., we are looking at positivity rate of 17 per cent, East Khasi Hills has positivity rate of 12 per cent. This is a serious situation and we have decided to go for complete lockdown in East Khasi Hills district and weekend lockdown in other district,” said Chief Minister, addressing the media after chairing a high level meeting with cabinet ministers and senior officials of health and other departments.
The complete lockdown will be effective in entire East Khasi Hills from 8 pm of May 5 till 5 pm of May 10 next.
He also informed that cabinet ministers have been directed to visit different districts to access the situation and return to State capital by Friday. “The government will review the situation on Saturday afternoon and will take measures accordingly,” he added.
Sangma is leaving for Tura on Thursday morning to review the situation in West Garo Hills.
He also informed that board examination schedule for May 6-7 has been postponed to May 11-12 next. “The education department will come up with notification,” he informed.
He said that the containment measures has considerably brought down crowding and gathering of people in markets, however the rising number of cases call for stricter measures that need to be put in place.
Vehicular movement will be restricted. Inter State movement will also be restricted. Further, movement from and to East Khasi Hills will be restricted.
“All major markets in East Khasi Hills will be closed. Essential Goods will be available in locality shops. Home delivery services will be permitted,” he informed.
Movement of agriculture produce in EKH will be regulated by the DC of EKH.
Weddings that have been permitted maybe held with 20 people and Funerals will restricted to 20 people with permission from the Deputy Commissioner.
During the lockdown, health services will be exempted and the Vaccination drive will continue.
Essential services will be exempted, movement of essential goods will also be exempted.
Details of permitted activities will be issued by the Deputy Commissioner.
He has urged the citizens to co-operate with the Government, take the vaccine and stay indoors during the lockdown period.
