Shillong, June 26: With new spike in cases especially from the rural areas, Meghalaya government has decided to put in place containment measures with effect from Saturday in order to contain the surge in COVID-19 cases.

In an order issued on Friday, Chief Secretary MS Rao said, “…the following containment measures will be enforced in the state w.e.f June 26 until further orders.”

He said the number of COVID-19 cases in the state is still very high and there is a significant spread in rural areas of the state.

Rao said the deputy commissioners and SDO (Civil) are authorized to impose lockdown or curfew in their respective districts and sub-divisions based on need.

“Districts with high positivity rate are advised to impose stricter measures in order to contain the surge in COVID-19 cases,” he added.

Not permitted

Political, public, social and religious gatherings are not permitted including conferences, meetings and trainings.

Entry of tourists from outside the state is not permitted and all tourist spots will continue to remain closed.

Inter-state movement of persons will be restricted. However, the order will not apply to transit vehicles from Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram.

Inter-district or intra-district movement to and from Shillong Urban Agglomeration and any other containment area notified by respective deputy commissioners and SDOs will be restricted except for those who fall under exempted category.