COVID-19: Night Curfew extended in West Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 4, 2020

To put in place preventive and mitigation measures to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in West Jaintia Hills District and Meghalaya, by way of ensuring observance of strict protocols of the Advisories issued by Government of Meghalaya in the Health & Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, West Jaintia  Hills District, Jowai  in an order issued on 4^th July, 2020 has  under section 144 Cr.PC promulgated NIGHT CURFEW in the District daily with effect from 4^th June, 2020 until further Orders  from  9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  

The District Magistrate said that the Order will not apply to Security Forces, Medical Teams on duty, Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire & Emergency Service, MeECL, NEEPCO & Power Grid, Food and Civil Supply Department, FCI, Public Works Department (PWD),Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Jowai Municipal Board, Postal Service, Telecom, Communications & IT Services, Press, Print & Electronic Media, Petrol Pumps,  Essential services including Health Services and online food delivery, authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya and   the Government Officials on Duty.

Senior Citizens who are above the age of 60 years are exempted from obtaining PASSES and CURFEW PASSES but they are to carry their valid photo ID card along with them as proof of age while they travel.  

These services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. 

The order also exempts movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipment and shops for repair of trucks on highways. However, Drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.

CURFEW PASSES for timings falling between 9:00 PM to 5:00AM with effect from 4^th July 2020 and until further Orders to be obtained via online application@ www. megedistrict.gov.in/ westjaintiahills.gov.in 

The District Magistrate had instructed the public to strictly Maintain Social Distancing of at least 1 meter (6 ft), not to overcrowd in one area or shop, to wear mask, not to spit in public places, to cooperate with the arrangement made by the District Administration, District Police and Headman and Compulsory compliance to conditions laid down in CURFEW ORDER Order. 

Violation of any advisory is an offence punishable with fine as under Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005