Shillong, April 16: The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong in the exercise of the powers conferred upon under section 144 Cr.P.C. read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID–19 Regulations, 2020, in an order issued on April 16 has prohibited the opening of shops and establishments, roadside markets and roadside vendors, both in fixed premises or otherwise in Shillong agglomeration on Sundays till further orders.

The order is necessitated based on the report received that a large number of shops, roadside markets and vendors in different areas across the city are operating on Sundays which attract sizeable crowds, public at a single point and as per reports received and inspections conducted, COVID-19 protocols of physical distancing, hand hygiene, masks wearing, etc are not being followed and the number of cases across the state is increasing and in order to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases in the District.

Pharmacies and Pharmaceuticals stores are exempted from this order.

The District Magistrate states that non-compliance to SOPs at all times will be met with penalties as per law. (MIPR)