Meghalaya Government to put a screw on entry and exit points

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government on Wednesday has decided to further strengthen entry and exit points so that people do not "unnecessarily" enter the State.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that during the review meeting held on Wednesday, State Chief Secretary, MS Rao has been instructed to strengthen the entry and exit points unnecessary visits by relatives/friends of those people staying in Meghalaya should be totally stopped or avoided.

The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that Meghalaya has the least COVID-19 active cases currently in the whole country.

Tynsong said that due to the situation people tend to take shelter from other States in Meghalaya.

"We are not against it. But at this juncture message is very clear since inter-state movement is not allowed we appeal to all concern to avoid coming into the State," he told reporters.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that people may come in the form of tourists or relatives of people working in various government offices or companies.

Reminding the situation in neighbouring Assam where the COVID-19 cases are increasing day by day, Tynsong said that the decision has been taken to avoid the spread of the virus into the State.

He also informed that the State government on Wednesday held a meeting with representatives of various para-military forces to seek their cooperation to ensure the relatives of the personnel do not make unnecessary visit to Meghalaya.

Tynsong also informed that roughly 17000 migrant workers have already left the State since the lockdown began.

Meanwhile, State Health and Family Welfare Minister, A. L. Hek informed that the State now has three active cases, 42 has recovered, the State has so far recorded 46 positive cases and one died of the virus on April 15.

Hek also informed that 17468 samples for COVID-19 have been sent for testing out of which 16937 tested negative cases and results awaited are 485.

The stranded residents who came back to the State so far are 18020.

Also watch: Evening Bulletin | 24th June, 2020