Robust anti-COVID plans need of the hour: Sawkmie

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The increase in COVID-19 cases across Meghalaya is primarily because of the many returnees to the State and also because those who had tested positive were sent home for self quarantine. This has been stated by Opposition Chief Whip and Congress MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) from Mawlai Constituency, P.T. Sawkmie while speaking to The Sentinel here on Sunday.

''The government is not implementing the anti-COVID system it had put in place last year when the persons found to be COVID-positive were sent to the quarantine centres. But now, many such persons as well as the returnees are being sent home for home quarantine,'' pointed out Sawkmie.

He also said that another reason for the sudden spurt in Coronavirus cases in the State is because the reports of various COVID tests are declared quite late.

However in the intervening period between the test and the receipt of the result, he added that the person concerned would move around; and, when the report declares the person to be COVID positive, he/she might have passed the infection, unwillingly and unknowingly, to several others.

''There is a need to work together with all stakeholders including the government, Health department, district administration, and traditional institutions among others to fight against this virus. The masses must be made aware of the protocols, and steps initiated to ensure that they follow them at all times. Thus, a significant victory can be registered against COVID-19,'' he added.

He also pointed out that many people coming from underprivileged families cannot maintain social distancing when a positive patient is sent home as they have only two or three rooms in the house.

''The people are also facing difficulty as they cannot get any work with the lockdown in place. Many among them are struggling to even get their daily essential items. The government should have a plan in place to help such people so that they are provided the much-needed aid during the pandemic-triggered lockdown,'' urged the Opposition leader.

He also said that as was done in 2020, there is now an urgent need for the authorities concerned to restart the drives to disinfect all localities of the State.

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