Meghalaya records first case of COVID-19, doctor tested positive

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 13, 2020

CM assures govt fully prepared to tackle the situation 

Meghalaya on Monday recorded the first case of COVID-19 after a doctor of a private hospital was tested positive of coronavirus.

A doctor of Bethany hospital has been found positive for novel Coronavirus.

Terming it as an unfortunate incident, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the situation has come in spite of all measures taken from the government’s side to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

“At the same time I like to inform and assure the people of Shillong city as well as of the state that the state government is fully prepared to tackle the situation,” he said.

The East Khasi Hills district magistrate has also imposed curfew for 48 hours in Shillong agglomeration starting from 6 am of April 14 with exception of essential services. 

In view of this, the chief minister also requested all residents to cooperate and refrain from coming out of the houses to enable the health department officials to do contact tracing and take appropriate remedial measures. 

He informed that the government has also sealed the Bethany hospital.

“All residents of the state who may have visited Bethany hospital on or after March 22 are requested to immediately register themselves by calling 108 or visiting the following link http://meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/login.htm,” the CM said. 

Meanwhile, the chief secretary MS Rao said that the government is fully prepared to tackle the situation and that there is no need for the public to have any anxiety on this account. 

He said the government also strongly recommended that all residents of the state to use protective two-layer cotton cloth material to cover nose, mouth and chin, as a mask and follow the hand hygiene, cough ettiquette and social distancing protocols. 

The CS further informed that the state Cabinet will be meeting again on Tuesday to review the decision taken in today’s meeting.