Meghalaya CM Holds Video Conference with District Authorities on COVID-19

Shillong, March 18, 2020:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday held a video conference with all the district commissioners and medical officers to discuss the pandemic COVID-19 or coronavirus.

The meeting, aimed at taking a stock of the preparedness of the districts in containing COVID-19, discussed the situation at length and pressed on the participation of local headmen and the community for close monitoring.

Sangma, during the meeting said that the situation in the world and other parts of the country is alarming and there is a need to be serious but without creating panic and discomfort to the people to protect and contain the situation.

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The meeting discussed mandatory screening and monitoring of people who arrived from outside the State and abroad, setting up of isolation wards, medical volunteers, stock of essential commodities, testing centres and the logistics and setting up of control rooms at the district and state level.

The meeting also stressed on the need to disseminate awareness of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and social distancing.

The Government of Meghalaya, as a precautionary measure from the outbreak of novel coronavirus or COVID-19, also ordered the closure of all the tourist spots in the State, including parks and recreational areas till March 31, 2020.

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Earlier on Tuesday, taking cognizance of the threat posed by the international pandemic coronavirus, the Meghalaya Government had urged all the tourists coming in from the affected countries or Indian states to self-report through the helpline number 108. 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.”

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