COVID-19 tally rises to 50, Govt may impose total lockdown in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 7, 2020

The state government is likely to impose total lockdown after the state has seen a sudden surge in the number of COVID-19 cases during the past two weeks.

The tally of COVID-19 active cases stood at 50, after six more persons have tested positive on Tuesday.

“If the situation worsens…I think we have no option (but to impose a total lockdown in the state),” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a daily review meeting on the coronavirus situation in the state.

Stating that the situation in Meghalaya is not conducive, Tynsong said, “Though there is no community spread but the situation is not safe (as of now). I request each and every citizens to kindly refrain to the maximum to any unnecessary exposures.”

Earlier, Health Minister Alexander L Hek informed that six more persons have been tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total active cases to 50.

He said all are returnees and they include five  from East Khasi Hills and one from Ri Bhoi District. The new cases also include a returnee from the USA, a BSF jawan, and two Air Force personnel.

The COVID-19 active cases in the state include 29 in East Khasi Hills, 15 in Ri Bhoi, 3 in West Garo Hills, 2 in South West Garo Hills and 1 in East Jaintia Hills.

A total of 43 patients have already recovered while 2 have died due to COVID-19 in the state.

The Health Minister also informed that a total of 21,823 samples were sent for testing as on Tuesday of which 21,414 were found to be negative while test results of 320 are awaited.

Meanwhile, a total of 20,470 people have returned to the state from the different parts of the country as well as abroad.