Total curfew imposed in WGH

SHILLONG, MAY 20: In pursuance of the Order issued by the Home (Political) Department, Government of Meghalaya and in view of the continuous sharp spike in Covid-19 cases in the West Garo Hills District, and the hospital beds might be saturated if preventive measures are not taken and since, it is necessary to break the transmission chain and necessary to put in place preventive measures to contain the further spread of Covid-19 virus in the District, the District Magistrate, West Garo Hills, Tura had issued an Order under Section 144 Cr PC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Disease, COVID-19 Regulation, 2020 promulgating Total Curfew within the District with effect from 2:00 PM of 21^st May, 2021 to 5:00 AM of 1^st June, 2021.

As per the order, Inter-District Movement of persons is not permitted and no person shall step out without valid reasons and vehicles plying without passes will be liable for strict penalties. Anyone defiance of orders is liable for arrest.

Meanwhile, in-situ constructions are not allowed within Tura Municipal area except for Medical and Corona Care Centre Construction activities.

Further, those services exempted from the purview of the order are Healthcare services including vaccination, Person(s) moving for vaccination should be able to produce proof of COWIN registration and slot booking, Medicines and pharmaceuticals, Movement of essential goods, medical emergencies, persons travelling on Essential Government duty comprising of Medical teams and Officials on Covid-19 duty, Police, Security and Armed Forces, Civil Defense and Home Guards, Fire and Emergency Services, MeECL, Water Supply (PHE) including Private Water Supply, Municipal Services, Information and Public Relations, Telegraph and Telecommunication Services, Petrol and Diesel Tankers including LPG home delivery, Print and Electronic Media, 1917iTEAMS, Petrol Pumps, LPG Distributors, Veterinary Services, Road Construction of National Highway and other important Government projects, FCI, PDS Wholesaler and Fair Price Shop, State bank of India, Tura Main Branch and Chandmary Branch, Central Government offices as notified by Home Political Department in the earlier order.

However, the Home delivery Services only for food and food products, dry rations, meat, vegetables and toiletries will be regulated in separate order in coordination with the Chief Executive Officer, Tura Municipal Board and Block Development Officer(s).

Further, the order states that the Funeral gatherings are restricted to 10 (ten) persons only with prior permission from the office of the District Magistrate, West Garo Hills, Tura. The order also mentioned that all passes for activities not permitted will be revoked with effect from 2:00 Pm of 21^st May, 2021.

Further, the District Magistrate had advised everyone not to panic buying since grocery shops in selected localities would be open on weekdays and also informed that for tomorrow the 21st May, 2021, the essential shops would be opened till 4:00 PM.

By Our Reporter