Cooperation of all stakeholders a must to contain COVID-19

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 20, 2021

The Meeting of the District Task Force on COVID 19 was held on the 19th April, 2021 at St. Anthony’s College Auditorium, Shillong, which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills Isawanda Laloo, IAS and was also attended by Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Sampath Kumar, IAS. Other members present were the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, District Medical & Health Officer, Addl. District Medical & Health Officer, District MCH Officer, District Surveillance Officer (DSP), CEO Cantonment Board, Members of the District Task Force, the Religious Leaders, representative from various Churches, Members of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, Members of the Welfare Committees, etc.

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills highlighted the fact that there is an alarming rise of Covid-19 cases in the State as a whole and in Shillong area in particular. While steps have been taken to track and test returnees coming from outside the state who may be carrying the virus and to isolate positive persons and high risk contacts, it is also critical that the community at large participates in causing awareness on the protocols for prevention, and especially in urging all eligible citizens to get vaccinated. The Deputy Commissioner sought the cooperation of all stakeholders for a concerted effort to contain the disease. She requested all Headmen to reactivate the Community Covid Management Committee (CCMT) which had been instrumental in the pandemic management last year.

The Principal Secretary noted that in the fight to contain the pandemic, individual behaviour change is important. He called upon the members to strengthen the Behaviour Change Management Committees (BCCM) which can play an important role to educate people on the importance of adopting Covid Appropriate Behavior as it is the first line of defense against the virus.

He appealed to the members and encouraged the Community leaders and the religious leaders to come forward and get vaccinated for ensuring protection of self and ultimately the community as a whole. It was also decided to intensify awareness with the help of Headmen in all localities / villages to educate the people to come forward and get vaccinated so that they are protected.