Shillong's Iconic Iewduh market to remain closed amid Covid crisis

Guwahati: Meghalaya Government on Wednesday decided against re-opening the iconic Iewduh market in capital city Shillong, keeping in mind the rampant spread of the coronavirus.

The decision was taken after at a consultative meeting chaired by the state's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma where Chief Executive Member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Titosstarwell Chyne, Acting of Syiem of Mylliem, Ainam Syiem and Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Matsiewdor War, were also present.

Talking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that they have decided not to open the Iewduh market after due consultations with the KHADC and Hima Mylliem, adding that the closure of the market will continue until further notice.

At the same time, however, the Government has decided to ease certain restrictions which are in place to slow the spread of the Covid-19.

The Government has decided to give further relaxations on the opening of shops in the district headquarters including Shillong agglomeration. According to the Government, the shops which will be allowed to open include those selling new born babies clothes, textiles, umbrella, raincoat, kitchen utensils, travel agencies, household electronic goods, and automobile show rooms.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioners have issued notices to allow the opening of these shops after taking into consideration the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as well as protocols by the health department.

A notice issued by MS Rao, the Chief Secretary of the Meghalaya Government stated that the Deputy Commissioners shall ensure strict compliance too all protocols and guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, the DCs shall also regulate the schedule and timings of the operations.

It is pertinent to mention here that 5 more persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya, taking the total number of active cases in the state to seven, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state is 20, and 7 cases are 'active' at the time of filing of this report.

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