Curfew extended in Shillong

SHILLONG, APR 19: East Khasi Hills district magistrate Matsiewdor War Nongbri has extended the curfew for another six days in Shillong agglomeration and adjoining areas with effect from 6 am of April 20 to 6 am of April 26.

The order was issued on Sunday in view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of ensuring observance of strict protocols of the advisories issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department.

The areas to be under Curfew are the whole of Municipal and Cantonment areas, all areas under Mawlai and Mawpat Blocks including Census Towns, areas under Mylliem Block from Umshyrpi Bridge upto 7^th Mile Upper Shillong, Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiang, Diengiong and Siejiong.

At the same time, the district magistrate has under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020, prohibited assembly or gathering of five or more persons in public area and premises beyond the individual households, operation of public and private transport, operation of major markets and commercial establishments, moving in public places without a Mask and spitting in public places in the areas of Mylliem Block (beyond 7^th Mile), Mawphlang, Sohiong, Mawsynram, Mawkynrew, Mawryngkneng, Laitkroh-Khatarshnong, Pynursla and Shella-Bholaganj Blocks, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions.

The District Magistrate said that the Order will not apply to Security Forces, Medical Teams on duty, Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Service, MeECL and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI, PWD, PHE, AH & Veterinary Department and Meghalaya Directorate of Dairy Development, Shillong Municipal Board, Sanitization Division of Shillong Cantonment Board, Postal Service, Telecom, Communications and IT Services, Press, Print and Electronic Media, Banks, ATMs and Treasuries, Petrol Pumps, essential services including Health Services, home delivery of LPG cylinders and essential/household items, online food delivery, online services delivery, courier services, authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of Health & Family Welfare Department and Government officials on Duty. These Services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, disinfection and other advisories of the Government in the Health Department, without fail.

Also movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities, security forces, medical equipments and goods vehicles are also exempted. However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.

The District Magistrate informed that the Order will not affect the arrangement of Fair Price Shops, identified wholesale traders and local retailers which shall open as per schedule from time to time.

Curfew passes can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in.