Govt extends total lockdown in EKH till May 17

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 8, 2021

The Meghalaya government on Saturday extended the total lockdown in East Khasi Hills district till May 17.

“Total lockdown will continue in East Khasi Hills district till 5 am of May 17,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a review meeting. 

The decision was taken following uncontrollable surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. 

The state has recorded 11 deaths due to the viral infection and 375 new cases as on Saturday.

“The situation is very serious and very grim. Therefore, I would request all the citizens of the district to bear and to be with us in fighting the COVID-19.

We will review the situation again and take decision accordingly (after May 17),” he said.

The total lockdown was imposed in the district since May 5.

During the lockdown period, few restrictions are lifted.

These includes – Banks and post offices will be allowed to open with a limited employees. 

Home delivery will continue.

Construction sites where the employees or labourers stay within the premises these activities will also be allowed to function. However, will not allow any labourers or employees to move out of such premises or campuses. 

Instruction will be issued accordingly to employers of such activities. “I request such employers and contractors to adhere to the SOPs and protocosl to be issued by the district administration,” Prestone said.

Again essential shops will continue to open with strict SOPs. Essential shops located in the different localities with close understanding and coordination from the government and the local authority are encourage to open during the lockdown period. 

Relating to the remaining subjects of class XII examination, the government has decided to postpone again this examination. Instruction will be given to the education department to again issue notification to the respective students who are supposed to complete the remaining subjects.

The weekend lockdown will continue in the entire state from 10 pm of every Friday upto to 5 am of every Monday in the entire state. 

During the lockdown in East Khasi Hills, government has decided to allow 100 days activities under the MGNREGS and farming activities throughout the state subject to strict adherence of SOPs and protocols.