COVID-19: Meghalaya Government orders lockdown in areas adjoining Guwahati

Guwahati: The Meghalaya Government, taking cognizance of the alarming rate at which the Covid-19 cases have surged in Guwahati, has decided to enforce lockdown the areas adjoining the Assam capital. 

"Government has decided that the locations in Meghalaya bordering Guwahati, that is, Byrnihat, Jorabat till Khanapara will be under lockdown due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in Assam", Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma wrote in a tweet. He further added that the inter-state movement will continue to be "restricted", and informed that the Deputy Commissioner will issue necessary orders accordingly. The decision was taken today at a meeting held in the capital city Shillong that was chaired by the Chief Minister and a series of discussions and deliberations were held.

This decision has been taken by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) as part of its efforts to contain the spread of the virus so that the state can finish the 'unlocking' of the economy. Indeed, the Conrad Sangma-led Government has initiated several steps to begin the economic activities in full flow after the lull of the lengthy lockdown period. For instance, the hotels across the state have been allowed to re-open from July 1. Similarly, the bustling market at Nongstoin has also been opened up, albeit with stringent measures to contain the virus outbreak.

The massive surge in cases across Assam has led to also led to a rise in apprehensions across the neighboring state, which shares a lengthy border with the former. This, at a time when the Government of Assam has hinted at a community transmission in Guwahati after many persons in Guwahati tested Covid-19 positive.

Yesterday alone, the city witnessed 195 cases of the Covid-19, with one person having succumbed to death due to complications. The death of the individual, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, took place because he could not avail treatment when he still had a shot at making it out alive.

The city is now in the thick of a 14-day lockdown period that will only see 3 classes of persons being permitted entry -- those headed to airports or train stations for transit, or persons suffering from health complications. However, these too shall have to provide evidence of their purpose and keep papers/documents ready with them at all times.

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