Shillong: Shops & businesses shut down for breaking COVID-19 rules

Guwahati: Shops and business establishments in several Shillong areas have once again been directed to close their shutters after blatant disregard of COVID-19 safety rules (such as wearing of masks, maintenance of social distancing, etc) was witnessed in these areas.

The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in orders issued on 18th August 2020 has directed the closure of all shops and business establishments in Police Bazaar (from Khyndai Lad via Gold Cinema up to Umsohsun road junction), G. S. Road (from Shani Mandir till Bimola Point) and Motphran area till Bimola Point, Motphran area to Stand Jeep area and MUDA Parking Lot (Upper level) at Garikhana. The closure will be effective until further notice.

As per reports, this is necessitated in view of the fact that all norms of social distancing, hand hygiene and the wearing of masks are being flouted in the above-mentioned areas and it has "become necessary to control the spread of the pandemic especially in the identified commercial areas in the interest of the safety of the health of the general public."

The Orders stated that no person shall be allowed to operate any form of business in the specified areas.

Gatherings, events, functions whatsoever of any nature and forms including social, political, religious, economic activities shall also not be allowed in the areas in question.

All Government and private institutions located within the boundaries of the specified areas are to close forthwith, till further orders.

According to the order, the Incident Commander, Zone-III, will be the Supervising Officer of the specified area in Police Bazaar (from Khyndai Lad via Gold Cinema upto Umsohsun road junction) and G. S. Road (from Shani Mandir till Bimola Point), while the Incident Commander, Zone-IV, will be the Supervising Officer of the specified area in Motphran area till Bimola Point, Motphran area to Stand Jeep area and MUDA Parking Lot (Upper level) at Garikhana.

The Orders, however, will not apply to personnel related to the services considered as "essential."

Any violation of the order will entail prosecution under the penal provision of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and IPC, the DC further said.

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