Meghalaya: Decentralised management system helps in controlling COVID-19 situation, says Conrad Sangma

The Meghalaya government on July 16^th, 2020 said the decentralized management system involving community capacity building helped it in controlling the COVID-19 situation in the state.

“Support and cooperation of the community have been a key contributing factor in the low infection rate. There has been constant and clear communication with the localities’ headman,” the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.

A high-level review meeting was held with the participation of the Government and Opposition leaders to discuss the prevailing COVID-19 situation and take stock of the preparedness. A detailed presentation was made by the Chief Secretary on the current COVID status in the State.

As of July 15^th, 2020, there are 297 active cases of which 222 (75%) were that of BSF and Armed forces, Meghalaya government stated. The number of cases was under control till June 30 when the active cases stood at 8. The spurt from July can be largely attributed to the rise in cases related to BSF, cases in NEIGRIHMS, and the Greenwood wedding party.

Also read: Assam: COVID-19 Patients Take To Streets Alleging ‘No-Food’ In Care Centre

The Chief Secretary to the government of Meghalaya also informed that the state now has 3847 beds available. Adequate stock of health equipment is now available across the State – PPEs (2,56,379), 3 Ply Masks (6,80,000), N95 Masks (2,41,086), Ventilators (20) etc.

A total of 26,028 free provision kits were distributed till date for all individuals under mandatory home quarantine. A total of Rs 63.6 lakh has been released as expenditure to the Community Quarantine Centres at the rate of Rs 5000 per centre. Instructions to increase this incentive to Rs 10,000 from the existing Rs 5,000 has been made by the Government on 15th July, 2020.

The State’s approach towards tackling the cases of BSF and other armed forces was presented in detail. 1,567 tests were conducted in the BSF cluster of which 223 have turned to be positive. The key decisions based on the meetings held with the Armed Forces was informed:

Meanwhile, the state government claimed that the increase in testing capacity was elaborated. As of 15^th July, 2020, a total of 24,900 tests were conducted. From 4 tests a day in March, the capacity has increased to 390 tests per day now. Testing infrastructure is now available in 9 districts out of 11 Districts of the State. The State has a testing capacity of more than 1000 tests per day. It is expected to touch about 1,300 tests by the end of July, 2020.

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