Shillong, May 19: Gearing up for the total lockdown, residents of Shillong on Wednesday were seen queuing up before grocery stores and at the markets to stock up for the 10-day total lockdown in East Khasi Hills District.

Despite the government informing and urging people not to panic but to no avail people were resorting to panic buying and social distancing had gone for a toss.

The District Administration level including the local heads were time and again seen reminding people to adhere to the protocols.

At Laitumkhrah market, close to 20 volunteers were helping out. The Rangbah shnong (headman) of Laitumkhrah, Andrew Jyrwa, said that people were cooperating, when given ample of time people tend to understand.

“Rush is bound to happen, we are anticipating that in few hours there will be a rush. We have enough volunteers put in place and they are moving around and checking,” said Jyrwa.

While a few of the residents were angry with the government for failing to manage the situation, while there were others who lauded the government.

A resident of Laitumkhrah, Dhiman said that the measures that the government had to take was necessary.

While a few of the shopkeepers felt that government should have given time so that people don’t overcrowd.

East Khasi Hills District has been one of the districts to have been badly affected by COVID-19. Due to this situation, the Meghalaya government was compelled to opt for total lockdown which is effective from 8 pm of May 19 upto 5 am of May 31. The government is hopeful that with this 10-day total lockdown it will help in flattening the curve of the COVID-19 cases.