Meghalaya | People living along Indo-Bangla border might be tested for Covid-19

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 18, 2020

The state government will take a call on the suggestion to conduct test for COVID-19 of villagers residing along the international border with Bangladesh.

Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War told reporters that a delegation led by him had visited a PHC at Balat and they were apprised of the matter on the proximity of some villages with Bangladesh.

“(In view of this) as a department, we will take a call when we sit for the meeting of the state response team,” Dr War said.

Congress legislator from Mawsynram Himalaya Shangpliang had demanded the government to conduct random test of villagers residing at the international border following a positive case was reported from Dhormopur village under Boglabazar police station in Sunamganj district of Bangladesh, which is about 500 metres away from Ryngku bazar under Mawsynram Block in East Khasi Hills District.

According to him, in view of the proximity of the village where a positive case has been reported, it is mandatory that all protocols relating to safeguarding the people from the spread of the disease has to be enforced.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong however said if need be, rapid test can be done for people living along the international border.

“It depends on the detail report to be received from the concerned stakeholders and then the health department will examine this issue. We have already given the authority to the health department under the leadership of DHS, he will take a call on that we have no problem at all,” Tynsong said as he reiterated that immediately rapid test can be done.