Shangpliang: Why are returnees not taken to quarantine centres?

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The spokesperson of Meghalaya Congress and MLA of Mawsynram Constituency H.M. Shangpliang has pointed out that the increase in cases of COVID-19 across the State is because of the present system whereby returnees have been allowed to go for the home quarantine process; and, not taken to the quarantine centres.

''The returnees are able to easily enter from the entry point at Umling. By sending them to their respective homes for self quarantine has not helped either. This should not be done. Strict action, as was done in 2020, must be taken,'' said Shangpliang while speaking to The Sentinel.

It may be mentioned that in the past few days the number of COVID-19 cases have been crossing the 200 mark daily.

''Besides, why is the quarantine period lesser now?'' he posed, adding, ''Last year, people returning to the State were first taken to the quarantine centres; and, they were allowed to return to their respective homes only after 14 or 21 days. The same practice must be followed during the present second wave of the pandemic. How will the people be able to quarantine themselves maintaining proper social-distancing protocol in their homes where several people reside within only two or three rooms?'' he asked. Shangpliang pointed out that upon reaching home some of the returnees would definitely interact with their family members and friends. And, some might even venture out of their houses before the amandated home-quarantine period.

Also Read: Federation of Mawsynram Self Help Group Want BDO Reinstated

Also Watch: 45- year-old Women found murdered in Moran