COVID-19: Meghalaya Latest Revised Protocols for Entry Points

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 22, 2021

The Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare department has revised protocols for entry points due to increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in many states of the country.

According to the protocols issued by Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Health & Family Welfare Department said “Whereas there is a rapid surge in the number of COVID-19 in Meghalaya requiring immediate steps to be taken to contain the spread of
the virus in the State.”

“Therefore, in supersession of all previous Notifications issued in respect of Entry and Exit, the following protocols are hereby issued for information and strict compliance w.e.f. 23rd April 2021.”

Entry & Exit Protocol

1. Registration
It is mandatory for all people entering Meghalaya to register themselves prior to their travel at: http://meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/testing.htm, and to download the Arogya Setu App and the Behavioural Change Management App of Meghalaya from Google Play Store.

2. Testing
a. RT-PCR Testing at Entry Points is mandatory for all persons visiting the State irrespective of any other COVID-negative test reports.

b. Persons coming from Maharashtra / Delhi / UP/ Bihar /West Bengal / Karnataka and Kerala:
No exemption from testing even if they possess a valid final certificate of vaccination.
Sample for RT-PCR testing shall be taken at the entry point on payment basis. Such persons shall proceed to their residence or place of stay and shall be quarantined until the test results are declared.

c. All persons entering the State except those mentioned at (a) above:
Exempted from testing if they possess a valid final certificate of vaccination. Sample for RT-PCR testing shall be taken at the entry point on payment basis. Such persons shall proceed to their residence or place of stay and shall be quarantined until the test results are declared.
Persons exiting the State on the same day shall also be tested for RT-PCR and the result shall be communicated to them. They shall strictly confine to their place of work and exit on the same day.

d. Persons entering the State from another Country (International Travellers):
Sample for RT-PCR testing shall be taken at the entry point on payment basis. Such persons shall undergo home quarantine or paid quarantine for 7 days from the date of their arrival regardless of their test results.

Persons showing symptoms on arrival at the entry point will have to be mandatorily tested by RT-PCR even if they have a final vaccination certificate.

If tested positive, SOP for home or institutional isolation should be followed.

3. Quarantine
All persons tested by RT-PCR at the entry point should go into home quarantine or paid quarantine till the test results are declared. The test results are usually available within 48 hours which shall be communicated through an SMS or can be checked online at www.coronamegh.in. If tested negative, such individuals can carry on with their daily activities or work normally. If tested positive, SOP for home or institutional isolation should be followed.

All international travellers should undergo home quarantine or paid quarantine for 7 days from the date of their arrival regardless of their test results.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
i) All entrants exempted from quarantine are to closely monitor their health for 10 days from the date of entry into the State. Upon development of any symptoms of COVID-19, such individuals should self-report to the nearest healthcare facility/ANM/ ASHA worker. They can also report their symptoms on 14410 – State Level Covid-19 helpline. All entrants will be monitored on a regular basis through IVRS calls from the Health Department.

ii) It is also mandatory that all entrants should diligently follow the three recommended COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour at Page 3 of 4 all times, i.e., wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and practising hand hygiene.