Coronavirus: Tourists from Affected Countries & States must Report to DC Office, Orders Meghalaya

Shillong, March 17, 2020:

Taking cognizance of the threat posed by the international pandemic coronavirus (or COVID-19), the Government of Meghalaya has urged all tourists coming in from affected countries or Indian states to self-report through the helpline number 108. Moreover, the tourists have also been urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

A notification issued by the Meghalaya State Government reads, "In view of reported cases of corona virus disease in other parts of the country and abroad, all domestic and foreign travellers coming from affected countries and affected states in India are to mandatorily report to the office of the Deputy Commissioner through 108 toll free helpline." In the communique, undersigned by the Secretary to Health & Family Welfare Department, travellers have also been advised to maintain distance. "All such travellers are also advised to maintain social distancing and self-quarantine at home for 14 days and call 108 for any assistance from Health Department and other State Agencies."

This notification, that was issued on March 16, came on a day when the Government of Nagaland imposed a blanket ban on all tourists -- both domestic and foreign -- from March 18 onwards. Moreover, the Himalayan state of Sikkim has also imposed a similar ban.

In a latest notification issued by Abhijit Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, it has been informed that the issuance of new/fresh Inner Line Permit (ILP) for both domestic and foreign tourists and all other categories shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders. Moreover, the Government of Nagaland has decided to close down all educational institutions in the State from March 17 to April 12.

Meanwhile, an Inside Northeast source has confirmed that the Sikkim Government has issued directives for the closure of discotheques, cinema halls, casinos, gyms, fairs, tambolas, schools, and colleges closed till April 15. However, the CBSE exams will go on as per schedule, we have been informed.

Another Northeast Indian state, Tripura, also announced the closure of educational institutes, cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools, et al.

A notice issued by the Tripura Government’s Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar states that in addition to schools, cinema halls, gymnasiums, and swimming pools will also be shut down.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister of Meghalaya has also instructed the Government to close down educational institutes, cinemas, gyms, and swimming pools keeping in view the threat posed by the COVID-19 strand.

Further, it has been informed: “The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) vide letter No. 1/Comm/BoI/2020-81 dated, 11.03.2020 had advised all nationals to avoid all unessential travels abroad. Accordingly, awareness must be spread regarding minimizing, if not totally avoiding, social functions and organizing fair & festival etc”.

India has recorded a total of 125 confirmed cases of coronavirus according to https://www.worldometers.info/ On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did a video call with leaders of SAARC nations to discuss the Coronavirus outbreak and steps to control the spread of the deadly disease.

Internationallty, there have been 7,174 deaths due to the coronavirus, with cases being reported from as many as 125 countries.

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