Meghalaya issues fresh Entry and Exit Protocols

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 7, 2021

Meghalaya Government on Monday in supersession of the Protocol for Entry Points issued for containment of COVID-19 in the State vide Notification No. Health.99/2020/169 dated 9-06-2021 and amendment vide Notification Health.99/2020/170 dated 10-06-2021 has issued a fresh Entry and Exit Protocols for compliance with immediate effect.

REGISTRATION

It is mandatory for all persons entering Meghalaya to register themselves prior to their travel at http://meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/testing.htm and to download the Arogya Setu App and the Behavioural Change Management App of Meghalaya from Google play store.

However, Tourists should register on the Meghalaya portal at https://meghalaya.gov.in to generate the ‘e-invite for Tourists’.

TESTING:

(a) RT-PCR Testing at Entry Points is mandatory for all persons visiting the State if they have not been fully vaccinated (both doses) or are not in possession of a RT-PCR Negative Report that is issued by a recognised laboratory 72 hours before their arrival at the entry Point.

(b) Persons showing symptoms on arrival at the Entry Point will be mandatorily tested by RT-PCR.

EXEMPTION FROM TESTING AT THE ENTRY POINTS:

(a) Persons with a valid final certificate of vaccination (both doses) or Negative RT-PCR Report that is issued by a recognised laboratory 72 hours before their arrival at the entry Point shall be exempted from testing.

(b) Government officials / Technical staff / logistics experts who are engaged to perform duties related to projects pertaining to the Health & Family Welfare, Power Department, Telecommunications and other agencies providing essential services to the State as certified by Home (Political) Department, Government of Meghalaya, shall be exempted from testing at the Entry Points on production of RT-PCR negative certificate issued 72 hours or RAT negative certificate issued 48 hours before their arrival at the entry point. However, in case such persons do not possess any of the above-mentioned negative certificates, they shall be tested by RAT at the entry point.

(c) All persons exempted from testing at the Entry Points are also exempted from undergoing quarantine but shall strictly adhere to the protocols.

4. QUARANTINE:

(i) All persons tested by RT-PCR at the entry point should go into home quarantine or paid quarantine till the test results are declared. The test results are usually available within 48 hours which shall be communicated through an SMS or can be checked online at www.coronamegh.in If tested positive, SOP for home or institutional isolation should be followed. If tested negative, such individuals can carry on with their daily activities or work normally.

Persons showing symptoms on arrival at the Entry Point will have to be mandatorily tested by RT-PCR even if they belong to category 3(a) and 3(b) above. Such persons shall proceed to their residence or place of stay and shall undergo home quarantine or paid quarantine for 7 (seven) days from the date of their arrival regardless of their test results. If tested positive, SOP for home or institutional isolation should be followed.

ADVISORY:

i) All persons are advised to take personal health safety measures to protect themselves, including practicing social or physical distancing, cleaning hands with soap/hand sanitizer, wearing double masks and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation. Individuals in public spaces without a mask may be fined for non-compliance under the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020.

ii) All entrants are to closely monitor their health for 10 days from the date of entry into the State. Upon development of any symptoms of COVID-19, such individuals should self-report to the nearest healthcare facility/ANM/ASHA worker. They can also report their symptoms on 14410 – State Level COVID helpline. Entrants will be monitored on a regular basis through IVRS calls from the Health Department.