Meghalaya has Reported Zero Cases of COVID-19 So Far, Confirms CM

Shillong, March 20, 2020:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, addressing the people to create awareness about the pandemic coronavirus. The Meghalaya CM, informing that the state has not detected a single case of the virus, added that the entire state will observe March 21 as 'Coronavirus Awareness Day'.

The Chief Minister said, "During this global pandemic of COVID-19, we need the cooperation of every citizen to fight Coronavirus disease. Till date there has not been a single case detected in our state of Meghalaya, but that does not mean we can be complacent. Therefore, the next four weeks are crucial for our state to break the transmission chain of the virus.

ALSO READ: No Positive Cases of Coronavirus Reported in Assam, Confirms Health Minister

"I appeal to every citizen of the state to adhere to all the guidelines and advisories issued by the state government. I kindly urge everyone to postpone all personal, professional and social activities during this crucial time.

The Chief Minister also informed that 21 March next is to be observed as Coronavirus Awareness Day in Meghalaya.

On the day, all offices, banks (government and private), institutions, public places, market places and public transport will remain closed, the Chief Minister further said, adding: "I urge citizens to not look at this as a lockdown but this time must be utilized and observed as a Coronavirus Awareness Day to understand and prevent the spread of coronavirus disease in the state by playing our part as individuals, families, locality and society at large."

In his message the Meghalaya CM urged my the citizens to report any travel history in the last 14 days. They have been instructed to call 108 helpline number, or register on meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid and to contact the DCs.

The citizens have also been urges to maintain social distancing including self quarantine, and maintain personal hygiene like handwash protocol.

The headmen have also been urged to take proactive steps to identify and inform regarding the same. The Medical Volunteers and District  Surveillance Team members will reach out to those identified households through phone or make visits if necessary to provide necessary guidance and care to those families for the next 14 days.

"I would also like to inform you that the government is taking all necessary steps to

maintain essential commodities and I appeal to every citizen to not panic and try to remain

calm and also let us not stigmatize any person suspected of coronavirus", he said.

Sangma further reminded the people that India is currently at Stage 2 of the pandemic and we must all do our part to ensure that the country does not transition into Stage 3 or 4.

"Fellow citizens let me reiterate that following the prescribed guidelines will reap huge dividends, therefore please avoid social gatherings, practice social distancing, maintain hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette", Sangma further said.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.