Meghalaya Govt bans ‘wedding reception’ in two districts

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 15, 2020

The state government has decided not to allow holding of wedding reception in the two districts, which are witnessing a surge in the number of COVID-19 positive cases.

“The government has decided not to issue permission for wedding reception in East Khasi Hills District and Ri Bhoi District,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a daily review meeting held on Wednesday.

Stating that the order will come into force immediately, Tynsong said the decision was taken after COVID-19 positive cases continue to surge in the two districts.   

This also came after 10 persons have been infected recently due to an incident related to a wedding party at Greenwood Resort, Guwahati on June 30 and a reception at Shillong on July 2.

As many as 41 persons, who had attended the wedding party, were found to have violated the COVID-19 protocols by intentionally skipping the coronavirus screening and testing at Byrnihat entry-point in Ri Bhoi District while returning from Assam to Shillong.

A case has been registered with the Sadar police station after an FIR was filed by the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Matsiewdor War Nongbri based on the government’s direction. So far, 198 high risk contacts of the two positive patients, who attended the wedding party, have been traced.

Asked, the Deputy Chief Minister said that there are many people who have applied for permission for holding wedding receptions and others.

“We would however request all of them (applicants) not to mind as the government is compelled to take this extreme decision for the safety of the people residing in the two districts,” he said while

Tynsong further maintained that the marriage ceremony or solemnization will be allowed.