Meghalaya masses learning to live with COVID pandemic

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Amidst the growing cases of COVID-19 across Meghalaya, people are slowly reconciling to the fact that they will have to live with the disease. The Sentinel solicited views from a cross section of people in three districts about their experiences during the past eight months. The respondents were unanimous in saying that "the initial fear of the virus has subsided primarily because the lockdown has created enough of hardship for them".

"Initially, we were quite scared; and didn't venture out. But, we had to move out of our homes to eek out a living," stated LawankiSuchiang of Shangpung village of West Jaintia Hills. She added that the people are gradually learning to live with the pandemic. Residents of Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hi hills also expressed similar views. They know about the dreaded disease but they cannot afford to stay within their houses for days on end. "We have no way out but to venture out for our living," stated a group of villagers from Sakwang. They added that they are facing immense hardships in sustaining their families by carrying on their livelihood during the past few months.

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