COVID-19: Curfew further relaxed in Meghalaya

Shillong/UNI: Night curfew has been further relaxed in Meghalayas East Khasi Hills district and will remain in force from 2100 hours to 0500 hours the next day, daily from May 31 to June 8, an official said on Sunday.

District Magistrate East Khasi Hills, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, said the night curfew has been put in place as a preventive and mitigating measure to contain and eliminate COVID-19.

Every individual has to mandatorily maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and to strictly follow the various protocols and advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department at all times, without fail, Nongbri said, detailing other norms to be maintained by every individual.

She said moving in public and work places without a mask and spitting in public places is strictly prohibited.

In the whole of East Khasi Hills District, including Shillong urban agglomeration, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and Community and Rural Development Blocks, inter-district and inter-state movement and any assembly whatsoever has also been prohibited.

In another order, Nongbri directed the listed private and commercial establishments to remain open in Shillong urban agglomeration from June 3 to June 6 from 0900 hours to 1800 hours each day.

Selected wine stores and automobile showrooms will open in all East Khasi Hills District from June 1 to June 6 from 0900 hours to 1800 hours daily.

Operation of permitted services, agricultural, industrial and commercial activities shall strictly adhere to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of government and mandatory compliance to the advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail, the District Magistrate stated.

However, operation of major markets and unregulated shopping complexes in all commercial locations, opening of saloons, beauty parlours, spa and other similar rejuvenating centres, cinema halls, gymnasium, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditorium, assembly halls and similar recreational places is prohibited.

Furthermore, the order also prohibited all forms of contact sports and spectators in sport grounds and stadia, hotels and hospitality services other than those used as quarantine facilities and housing of stranded persons and tourists.

Educational institutions, training centres and coaching institutes barring online and distance learning will remain closed until further order.

Meghalaya recorded 27 COVID-19 cases, of which 12 have recovered, one died and 14 cases remain active and under treatment so far.