No more lockdowns in Meghalaya, assures Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma

Shillong: Despite the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across India, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Monday said that his government is not in favour of imposing any further lockdowns as it would again "close down" the economy.

After chairing a review meeting, Sangma said: "lockdown is not really a solution, but only a mechanism to delay the spread of coronavirus." Sangma went on to add that the Meghalaya Government shall not impose another lockdown as it cannot once again close down the economy.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister further opined that the COVID-19 disease, which is caused by the novel coronavirus, is here to stay, and hence, people must be "cautious" and learn how to adapt.

Sangma's statement comes a day after "fake news" reports declaring yet another lockdown in the state capital Shillong went viral on social media platforms.

As per reports, the rumour of another lockdown in Shillong to contain the novel coronavirus went viral on WhatsApp on Sunday, September 20.

This fake post, which spread like wildfire on social media, stated: "Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has announced a complete lockdown on Monday and Tuesday in Shillong agglomeration. Lockdown will be used to trace contacts of the cases reported in Shillong. Citizens urged to cooperate fully."

Taking note, the Director of Information and Public Relations of Meghalaya has filed a First Information Report with the Officer In-charge the Cyber Crime Police Station in Shillong for taking necessary action as per relevant provisions of law against the culprits.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Director (News) Doordarshan Kendra, Shillong, has also informed that an FIR has been filed with the Station Head Officer of the Madanrting Police Station in Shillong against the circulation of fake news on social media using the logo of DD News Shillong.

Meghalaya COVID-19 Update:

Till Monday, 4,733 COVID 19 cases have been registered in Meghalaya out of which 2169 are active, 2527 are recovered and 37 deceased.  

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