COVID-19: DC EJH extends curfew until further notice

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 19, 2020

The District Magistrate of East Jaintia Hills District in a press release issued here informs the general public that, in continuation to prohibitory order U/S 144 Cr.P.C issued on the 16^th April, 2020 and in order to put in place more preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and make more stringent steps so that the COVID-19 pandemic does not reach or spread in the East Jaintia Hills District in view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the State, country and globally.

The District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District, in an order Under Section 144 Cr.P.C read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulation, 2020 has imposed Curfew in the entire of East Jaintia Hills District and prohibits assembly of five or more persons in public area and premises beyond the individual households, operation of public and private transport without valid Pass and Inter District travel without valid Pass. Moving in public places without a mask and spitting in public places is strictly prohibited.

The District Magistrate has further informed that this order will not be applicable to:

Security Forces,

Medical Officer and Staffs of Health Department,

Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Services,

Government Officials on duty with Covid-19 matters, Officers and staffs of the office of Deputy Commissioner’s and the office of  District Public Relations Officer,

Officer and staffs of Government working with  Corona Centers and quarantine facilities,

MeECL and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supply Department,

Telecom Communications and IT Services, Petrol Pumps , Bank and ATMs,

District Task Force members for compilation and distribution of food to migrant workers,

Print and electronic media, Printing  Presses and distribution infrastructure of Newspaper and Magazines, all TV channel and supporting services like  Teleports and DSNGs, DTH, HITs operation connected equipment and  facilities etc including maintenance, FM, CRS network, Network of MSO, Cable operators, News Agencies and LPG Distributers.

Essential services which includes medical emergencies, agricultural works & horticultural activities.

MNREGA works, priority to be given to irrigation and water conservation works especially in convergence with other departments,

Fisheries Activities, Animal & Husbandry activities, observation Homes and Shelter Homes for children, disabled, mentally challenge.

The disbursement of social security pension under Social Welfare Department and Anganwadi services limited to distribution of food items and nutrition once in 15 days at the doorsteps of beneficiaries and Postal Services are also exempted from the curfew imposed.

The activities, relating to Fair Price Shop under NFSA and Non-NFSA, opening of retailer shops at every village and opening of Whole Salers’ Shops on specified days & timings of the week as per terms and condition laid down are also exempted from the curfew imposed.

In addition, the Local Headman (Rangbah Shnong) in coordination with the District Police will regulate the operation of the shops in their respective localities and villages and to also ensure due compliance to the advisories of Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to Social Distancing concerning the COVID-19 situation.

The Public are also directed to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 1 meter, not to overcrowd in one area or shop and to comply with management made by the District Administration, District police and Village Authorities.

However, the above exempted services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, disinfection and other advisories of the Health & Family Welfare Department Government of India and Government of Meghalaya.         

The District Magistrate has also stated that all Curfew Passes barring Essential services, Government Servant on Official Duty, Public Distribution System (PDS), Goods Carrier, Headman Car Passes (on emergency only), Medical Emergencies are suspended. Movement of vehicles carrying Essential Commodities along the National Highway, Security Forces and Medical equipments are also exempted. However, drivers and attendants of vehicles shall be subject to medical screening, compulsory disinfection and other health advisories as per laid down protocols.

This order shall come into force with effect from 6. 00 A.M of the 20^th April, 2020 and until further orders. DPRO