West Garo Hills admin issues mask wearing protocols

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 5, 2022

In pursuance of the notification given by the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya on Mask Wearing Protocols and in view of the highly infectious variant, Omicron, of the SARS-Cov-2 Virus which is rapidly rising in different parts of the country and whereas mask-wearing has been classified as an important strategy to suppress transmission ans save lives, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills District Ram Singh has issued an order to prevent further transmission of the virus.

The order mentioned that everyone should wear a three ply surgical mask of N-95 mask and cotton mask if worn must be layered with a three ply surgical mask umderneath. Plastic or leather mask, mask made from loosely woven material, knitted masks made fabric that lets light pass through or mask made with only one layer of fabric do not ensure protection and are not recommended. Person using such mask will switch to appropriate protective masks at the earliest.

Further, wearing of mask on chin or lowering of mask while speaking or wearing mask with covering the nose must be avoided at all costs since you can infect others or be infected by others. Persons who are mobile or move around frequently are advised to wear masks inside homes as well especially when around elderly or co-morbid family members.

The order also mentioned that detailed guidelines for wearing masks including use, storage, cleaning and disposal as notified in the aforesaid government protocol are to be followed by all citizens. A casual attitude towards proper mask wearing can potentially cause rapid transmission of the virus, hence endangering lives and may be considered an offence for which action would be taken as deemed fit and proper.