Meghalaya’s capital observes total lockdown

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 13, 2020

The state capital wore a deserted look as residents stayed indoors during the total lockdown which started on Monday, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All business establishments including small shops and markets remained closed. Very less vehicles were seen playing on the roads even as the police were on ground to enforce the lockdown.

With 95 percent of active COVID-19 cases detected from Shillong city alone, the state government has decided to impose a two-day ‘lockdown of the virus through behavior change’ in Shillong Urban Agglomeration.

Along with the lock-down, a total curfew in Shillong and its adjoining areas was also imposed till Wednesday morning.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has urged everyone to strictly adhere to the lockdown so that the “virus can be isolated”.

“This period will be used for tracing the contacts of the positive persons who are in Shillong so that further spread may be contained,” he had said.

 “Our Community Management Committees and the newly set up Behaviour Change Management Committees will work towards inculcating awareness about the cardinal principles of Behaviour Change at the household level during this period,” Sangma added.

Asked, health minister AL Hek said that the government will be discussing the issue on whether to extend the lockdown in tomorrow’s daily review meeting.