Lockdown extended in East Khasi Hills till 21st June 2021 as Meghalaya reported 514 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the Coronavirus tally to 41,100
Conrad Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya, on Friday evening announced that Coronavirus-induced lockdown was extended in East Khasi Hills during a Cabinet meeting held in this connection.
The decision was taken since the positivity rate is still at the ‘danger mark’ even though the number of positive cases was witnessing a downward trend in few districts.
“Cabinet has decided to extend the #lockdown in East Khasi Hills till 21st June 2021. DCs are empowered to decide for other districts,” Meghalaya CM wrote on Twitter.
As per the details, few relaxations will be allowed ‘as deemed fit’ by respective Deputy Commissioners. “Up to 20% of non-essential shops may be opened in certain areas in the State. DCs may also permit up to 20% of commercial vehicles to operate,” he added.
However, the relaxations will be decided by the respective Deputy Commissioners based on the local conditions concerning the COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the CM also inspected the 150 LPM Oxygen Plant funded by UNDP India at Jowai Maternity & Child Hospital with other ministers, MLA and officials. “The Plant will be functional within this week. Similarly, the 300 LPM O2 Plant in Khliehriat will be ready in the next 10 days,” CM said.
He also went to Jowai to take stock of the current Covid status in both West & East Jaiñtia Hills (WJH). As per Mr. Conrad, additional health infrastructure and testing facilities are being worked on to aid the Covid management efforts in both the districts.
Conrad Sangma stressed on both the district administrations to ensure no delay in E-passes issuance to truckers who transport agriculture produce. “Vaccination for truck drivers and drivers in general must also be targeted,” he directed.
The chief minister said there is a clear indication and correlation between vaccination and deaths because of Covid, especially in WJH and impressed on the Health Department to ensure an intensive vaccination drive is followed, especially for vulnerable groups.
On Friday, Meghalaya reported 514 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the Coronavirus tally to 41,100.
The COVID-19 death toll in the northeastern state also jumped to 714 as 10 more people succumbed to the infection. Of the fresh fatalities, seven were reported from East Khasi Hills, and one each from West Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi, and West Garo Hills districts respectively.
The state now has 4,993 active COVID-19 cases, as per the latest statistics.