Restrictions soon in Shillong to foil Omicron variant of COVID-19

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Government will impose restrictions beginning January 5 in order to try and curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 which has affected other parts of the country.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that the speed at which the variant is transmitting is alarming. He said that although the hospitalisation and death rates are lesser compared to the Delta variant, the transmissibility is high.

"So therefore it is a matter of time before the Omicron variant will hit Meghalaya State also," the Chief Minister said.

He said that the second wave has given the State a lot of infrastructure and as investments were made, Meghalaya is now better prepared to face the Omicron variant.

"We as a government still feel that it is very important for citizens and the Government to take precaution," Sangma said.

The Chief Minister said that in order to ensure that economic activities of the people are not disturbed due to the Omicron variant and the impact is restricted to a bare minimum, the Government has decided to come up with certain restrictions.

He said that there will be restrictions on gatherings since this is the main area where the virus spreads.

"So we feel that while we don't have a case (so far), maybe this is the right time to put some restrictions without affecting the public economically," the Chief Minister said.

Sangma also informed that there will be restrictions on the movement of private vehicles. He said that in Shillong city and East Khasi Hills movement of vehicles will be restricted on an odd-even basis.

"Thirdly, the entry into Meghalaya apart from the double vaccinated, we will be requiring 72 hours certificate of COVID-19 test and if not they will be tested at the entry points," the Chief Minister added.

He also informed that night curfew will be re-imposed starting 10 pm of January 5 in Shillong city. In other districts, the Deputy Commissioners will take similar decisions.

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