Shillong, May 27: The battle between humans and COVID-19 has been continuing on for over a year across the world, and the people of Meghalaya have not lagged behind in this fight. It has affected every aspect of humans, from body to mind to work. In these times, many good Samaritans and social organizations have come forward to help with the efforts to contain and the pandemic by distributing PPE kits, masks as well as providing free ration and other necessities to the needy.

Meghalaya government has been working tirelessly over the year to initiate and implement every step feasible to ensure the deadly virus is contained and doesn’t spread in the state, however, the virus has proved to be resilient to these measures. It has made inroads into every corner of the state, rural and urban, and the government has been left at wits end.

But all hope is not lost, as the political leaders in the State have also come forward to do their part in assisting and participating in efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. East Shillong constituency legislator and senior leader of Meghalaya Congress, Ampareen Lyngdoh has built a quarantine center at her expense to help the residents of her constituency with mild corona symptoms.

She said the cases were rising alarmingly in her constituency and the concept of home quarantine is not working. Hence, the only way is to isolate corona-positive patients otherwise the state will be enveloped by the pandemic. She also assured the families of the patients to not worry about as she will ensure that meals and tea is served to each one in the centre.

Additionally, she said Dr. Shanborlang Siangshai has agreed to assist her and will ensure that the patients are provided the professional medical care and medications.

She is of firm opinion that the only way to deal with the situation arising out of the pandemic is to work collectively, and not depend on the government for everything.
Similarly, another Congress leader, Mahindro Rapsang has opened a quarantine center in his apartment at the Ferndale Compound at IGP to assist COVID-19 patients.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, advisor and former president of the Ferndale Apartment Society Executive Committee, Donkupar Syiem said hospitals in Shillong city are over-stretched and they are reaching a saturation point. Asking “so what will happen if there are no hospital beds?” he said his team has identified and designated a quarantine centre and, if there is a need, they can arrange beds and put some life support system, atleast till the patient can be admitted to a hospital.

Commenting on the COVID management by localities in Shillong, he said some localities are well managed and some are very poorly managed. He urged localities to do up their efforts by mobilizing the resources available in their localities, and do more to contain the pandemic.

He also appealed to the people of the state and especially residents of Shillong, to get themselves organised because that will save life. “Don’t expect that only government can come to you because government is already stretched in their resources, so you have to depend on yourselves,” he stressed.