Shops and business establishments shut down in Shillong for flouting COVID-19 norms

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2020

The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in the Orders issued on 18th August, 2020 has directed the closure of all shops and business establishments until further orders in Police Bazaar (from Khyndai Lad via Gold Cinema upto Umsohsun road junction), G. S. Road (from Shani Mandir till Bimola Point) and Motphran area till Bimola Point, Motphran area to Stand Jeep area and MUDA Parking Lot (Upper level) at Garikhana.

The Orders are necessitated in view of the fact that all norms of social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks are being flouted in the above mentioned areas and it has become necessary to control the spread of the pandemic especially in the identified commercial areas in the interest of the safety of the health of the general public against any further spread of COVID-19.

The Orders stated that no person, public are allowed to operate any form of business in the specified areas mentioned above.

Gatherings, events, functions whatsoever of any nature and forms including social, political, religious, economic activities are not allowed.

All shopping establishments shall be closed immediately.

All Government and private institutions located within the boundaries of the specified areas are to close forthwith, till further orders.

According to the order, the Incident Commander, Zone-III, will be the Supervising Officer of the specified area in Police Bazaar (from Khyndai Lad via Gold Cinema upto Umsohsun road junction) and G. S. Road (from Shani Mandir till Bimola Point), while the Incident Commander, Zone-IV, will be the Supervising Officer of the specified area in Motphran area till Bimola Point, Motphran area to Stand Jeep area and MUDA Parking Lot (Upper level) at Garikhana.

The Orders, however, will not apply to health workers and essential workers of Shillong Municipal Board, press including electronic and print media, pharmacies and LPG delivery workforce.

The Orders also stated that any violation of the order will entail prosecution under the penal provision of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and IPC