Meghalaya: COVID-19 tally rises to 67, govt to impose fine against protocol violators

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 9, 2020

The COVID-19 active cases has increased to 67 in the state after 13 more persons including 10 BSF jawans were tested positive on Thursday, even as the state government has decided to impose fine against protocol violators.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed that 10 are BSF personnel from East Khasi Hills District while three others are returnees from Bihar and Delhi.

With fresh cases, Sangma said the total active cases have gone up to 67 in the state. According to him, 45 patients have already recovered so far.

After chairing a cabinet meeting, the chief minister informed that the government has decided to impose fine on people who are found violating the protocols which include social distancing, wearing of masks, spitting on public places and others.

“For first time violators, a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed and this will be increased to Rs 1,000 for repeated offence. We need to ensure people take the protocols seriously. These are simple rules which will help you to protect your family,” he said.

Expressing disappointment on the recent incident arising out of a wedding party at Greenwood Resort, Assam, Sangma however said that the government is still waiting for the inquiry reports to be submitted by the deputy commissioners of Ri Bhoi and East Khasi Hills District.

“Contact tracing has been done and most of them have been tested negative but we have sought for a detail report on the incident,” he said adding “It is not the government alone which is fighting the pandemic but every individual in the society, the headmen, the religious leaders, localities and citizens has a role to play. Government will do its part and it is important for every citizen to act responsibly as if we don’t, we are putting others in danger.”

It may be mentioned here 2 of 41 people who attended the wedding ceremony had been tested positive for COVID-19.

Asked, the chief minister admitted that there has been a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases during the last few days.

“Though the situation is becoming slightly more serious, I would urge the citizens not to panic,” he said.

On the number of BSF personnel getting infected, Sangma however said whatever is happening is within the BSF camp and it is in a controlled manner. He informed that the chief secretary will be having a meeting with the DIG of BSF tomorrow.

Maintaining that the government is not allowing people from outside to enter the state, the chief minister said the restriction on inter-state movement does not include citizens of the state who are stranded outside and government employees including paramilitary forces who are coming back.

“We had written to the Centre (to defer transfer of paramilitary forces) but we are yet to receive any response,” he said while adding that those returning to the state are subjected to strict protocols.  

With regards to random testing in areas bordering Assam, the chief minister said that the situation has been contained to a large extent.