Meghalaya Govt Extends Lockdown, Issues Containment Measures

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has extended the COVID-induced lockdown in the state till further orders.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary M S Rao announced the extension of the lockdown after a review meeting held on June 18.

Earlier the lockdown in Meghalaya was supposed to end on June 21 but it will continue till further orders, he said.

"It is observed that the number of COVID-19 cases is still very high and there is a significant spread in rural areas of the state," Rao said.

The decision came after a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in which the health department officials briefed him on the present status of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Health Minister A L Hek later informed that deputy commissioners of each of the 11 districts have been empowered to make decisions with regards to imposing/extending lockdown in their respective districts.

"The deputy commissioners are empowered to take necessary action and issue directives as per requirements in their districts to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he said.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangam wrote, "In order to safeguard the State from an uncontrollable surge in #Covid_19, the Containment Measures issued on 11th of June, 2021 will be reinstated throughout the State w.e.f 21st June 2021 until further orders."

Notably, the East Khasi Hills district which has been under lockdown since the state government announced a lockdown on May 5 has relaxed its containment measures and now the non-essential shops are allowed to open three times a week Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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