Shillong/Tura, May 1: Following the 10-day containment measures announced in three major towns to curb the spread of the coronavirus infections in the state, the city of Shillong, Jowai and distant Tura town wore a deserted look on the first day of restrictions with the movement of public falling to a trickle.
While almost all non-essential shops had their shutters down, grocery stalls and pharmacies operated on a normal basis while a small number of people with permission to attend work were seen moving in the town.
In view of the restrictions put in place, public transport and private vehicles were plying to a bare minimum.
In some of the most populated areas for business and trade, markets such as Jhalupara, polo bazaar, Laitumukrah and other parts of Shillong were literally deserted of customers and only a few vehicles and pedestrians could be seen moving around.
A similar situation was in Tura, district headquarters of West Garo Hills, that also began its first day of containment. Only a handful of vehicles and people were seen on the roads heading to either work or purchase of essential food items.
But there was a considerable violation of restrictions as evening fell with a large number of vehicles out on the roads of Tura compelling some citizens to question authorities on complacency when it came to enforcing containment measures at a time when infections continue to spike.
Latest reports from West Garo Hills reveal that Deputy commissioner Ram Singh has placed Phulbari market in plain belt Phulbari town as a containment zone with immediate effect after 11 positive cases were found there.
There are 124 active cases of the disease in the district and today alone 42 new positive cases were found in different parts of the district.
Another containment zone has been created in a missionary school compound of Ampati town in South West Garo Hills district following the detection of a positive case. The residential compound of the Fathers of St. Claret School, Ampati, has been made a containment area and direction has been given to all inhabitants within the area to strictly remain inside their homes. No events or gatherings and activities of any kind will be permitted and all private institutions within the boundary of the containment area will remain closed.
However, MBOSE exams in St. Claret School will continue as per schedule with necessary precautions and observing of Covid health protocols.
Another area is Salmanpara PHC hospital in South West Garo Hills where the outpatient department has been closed for two days, May 1st and 2nd, following the detection of a positive case in a patient, and to allow contact tracing and disinfecting of the premises.
Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in his tweet said “Govt has decided to put in place containment measures for Shillong Urban Agglomeration, Jowai & Tura.
Containment measures will be effective from 5 AM of May 1 till 5 AM of May 10. These measures are believed to ensure the safety of people and stop the spread of COVID 19 second wave.
According to government guidelines, only emergency service movements are allowed and violators shall be penalized.
