Govt to impose 10-day total lockdown in EKH from May 19

The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday.

“The government has decided to impose a total lockdown from 8 pm of May 19 to 5pm of May 31,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters.

He said the decision was taken after consultation with the medical experts over the continued surge in the COVID-19 cases.

“The situation is very grim in East Khasi Hills and the government is left with no option but to go for total lockdown,” Tynsong added.

According to him, movement of people will be totally restricted and even essential shops will remain closed during the lockdown period.

The deputy chief minister said the government has authorized all the deputy commissioners (DCs) to take appropriate decisions based on the situation in their respective districts.

“If need be, (the decision should be) in line with the decision taken in East Khasi Hills district,” he stated.

Tynsong also informed that deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills has been asked to work out all the details along with the district SP to ensure effective imposition of total lockdown in the district.

“The DC will also make sure that the essential commodities reach to all the respective households in the entire district,”he said.

Regarding the vaccination drive, Tynsong said as already fixed by the health department, vaccination drives during the total lockdown in East Khasi Hills will go on adding SOPs will be issued by the district administration.

Urging the citizens to strictly follow protocols, the deputy chief minister said, “I would also request all the citizens of the state please don’t take this matter lightly you need to make sure that you take this issue very seriously up to the household level and don’t ignore the advices and regulations issued by the government.”

“During the total lockdown, we will not allow movement outside or inside the East Khasi Hills district except those unavoidable and emergency services. I would advice all the concerned citizens of the state during the 10 days total lockdown stay wherever you are, please don’t come to East Khasi Hills especially to Shillong city,” he said.

Asked, Tynsong said the reason for the surge is due to the fact that although a lockdown was imposed since May 5, few areas were exempted and people are still allowed to move around.

“Therefore, this time it is a total lockdown and we hope that the positive cases will reduce in the coming days,” he added.

Responding to another query as to why not the government imposing a total lockdown in the entire state, the deputy chief minister however said, “This is because right now the epicenter is in East Khasi Hills.” He added that as far as other districts are concerned, records are still manageable and the government has already authorized the DCs to take appropriate decisions wherever necessary.

By Our Reporter