Shillong, April 20: Meghalaya government on Tuesday directed the Health Department to be prepared in dealing with any situation that may arise due to the spike of Covid-19 cases in the State.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that cases of corona infection are increasing across the country with frequent death due to lack of oxygen and ICU beds in hospitals. He said that the Government of Meghalaya has reviewed the situation and necessary measures are being put in place.

“The State Government has directed the health department to look into the situation and be prepared to deal with rising in Covid cases,” Tynsong said while adding that all arrangements with regards to the availability of oxygen and ICU beds are being taken care of.

Tynsong said that at different entry points in the State, testing on entry will continue to remain mandatory. “We will make the investigation and test on entry further intensified at Umling,” he added.

On media query on the spread of cases in Garo Hills, Tynsong said that the election campaign for GHADC has not led to any spread of Covid case.

“Due to election campaigning, there has not been any spread of covid-19 cases in Garo Hills. However, the situation is dangerous and alarming and we have taken necessary measures to stop the spread of the virus,” said Tynsong, while interacting with media in Shillong.

Currently, there are about 857 active cases in the State, with East Khasi Hills having the highest case – 618, while 14 active cases in West Garo Hills.