Surge in COVID-19 cases may come down by next week: DHS

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 10, 2021

Health authorities in the state on Monday expressed confidence that the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases will come down by next week.  

“With this lockdown, we are very confident that by next week, cases will come down,” Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War told reporters.

He was reacting to a query on the reason for the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases despite total lockdown imposed in East Khasi Hills district, which is the worst affected in the state.

“We will not see the benefit or effect of the total lockdown immediately. The lockdown we have done now to contain the spread as what happened in the past two-three weeks, it is showing now,” Dr War said.

The total lockdown which started from May 5 will continue till May 17.

Asked, Dr War said that the situation in the entire state is very grim and the health workers are working in full swing to overturn this situation.

“Please don’t tire them unnecessarily. This will pass, it will pass with your help and with our help together we can make it and will sail through. As of now, the situation is not good and once we say that from our side we mean that it is not good and to stay inside your homes is the safest place. If you come out you will be spreading not only to your neighbours but inside your own house,” he said while urging citizens to strictly follow the three cardinal instructions of wearing a double mask, sanitization and social distancing at all times.

The Director further encouraged people to practice self lockdown. “Don’t wait for the government to impose lockdown, self discipline is what we need at this hour and with that we will be able to combat this pandemic and this particular wave now,” he added.

Dr War also acknowledged the support extended by the state government as well as traditional institutions for effective tackling of the COVID-19 pandemic.