COVID-19: Meghalaya Govt directs closure of shops located at the border with Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 29, 2020

The state government has ordered closure of all shops in areas under Ri Bhoi district which are located at the border with Assam, which is witnessing a sharp rise of COVID-19 cases.

“Closure of shops in areas bordering Assam especially along the national highway will take effect from June 30 to July 15,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a review meeting held here on Monday.

He said the decision was taken to ensure safety of the citizens by preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the state, following the prevailing situation in neighbouring Assam, which has imposed total lockdown recently.

“Instructions have been issued to the deputy commissioner of Ri Bhoi (to implement the government order),” Tynsong stated.

According to him, the areas bordering Assam include Byrnihat upto Khanapara.

The deputy CM further announced that the state government has decided to further restrict inter-state movement till July 15. “However, it will depend on the situation and if need be, restriction on inter-state movement will be extended,” he added.

Asked, Tynsong said, “If we allow shops to open along the border with Assam, there is possibility of people from the other side would come to buy things from the state and preventing the spread of COVID-19 would become difficult for the authorities.”

Also maintaining that the lockdown in the state is still on, he however said but except in areas where restriction is lifted. “Lockdown is on, further relaxation is on. We have to look at both sides of coin,” he said.

Whether the government is proposing to conduct universal testing of people along the border areas, the deputy chief minister however said the issue will be discussed if any proposal comes from the district committees. “Government is always there to help them out,” he said.