West Jaintia Hills extends night curfew

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 16, 2020

To put in place preventive and mitigation measures and to take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID- 19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in West Jaintia Hills District and Meghalaya, the District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills District, in an order issued on 16^th May, 2020 has under section 144 Cr PC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 and Guideline No. 5 (i) of Order Dated 1st May, 2020 of Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs has  promulgated NIGHT CURFEW in the whole District daily from 7.00 Pm to 6. 00 Am with effect from 16^th of May, 2020 until further orders.

The District Magistrate said that the order will not apply to:
Security Forces
Medical Teams on duty
Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies
Police and Armed Forces
Fire & Emergency Service
MeECL, NEEPCO & Power Grid
Food and Civil Supply Department and FCI
Public Works Department (PWD)
Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department
Jowai Municipal Board,
Postal Service, Telecom, Communications & IT Services
Press, Print & Electronic Media
Petrol Pumps
Essential services including Health Services and online food delivery

Authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya and Government Officials on Duty.

Senior Citizens who are above the age of 60 years are exempted from obtaining PASSES and CURFEW PASSES. They are to carry their valid photo ID Card alongwith them as prool of age while they travel.

These services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail.

The Order has also exempted movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipment’s and shops for repair of trucks on highways are exempted. However, Drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.

Curfew passes for timing falling between 7.00 Pm to 6.00 Am with effect from 16^th May, 2020 and until further orders can be obtained via online application @www.megedistrict.gov.in/westjaintiahills.gov.

The District Magistrate has instructed the public to strictly:
Maintain Social Distancing of at least I meter (6 ft)
Not to overcrowd in one area or shop
To wear mask and not to spit in public places
To cooperate with the arrangement made by the District Administration, District Police and Headman

According to the order if there is violation offenders will be punished with fine as under Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.