Steps taken to acquire medical equipments: A.L. Hek

 'Lockdown an option only if situation turns serious'

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: As the number of COVID-19 cases have surged in the State in the last couple of days with the highest recorded at 208 cases in a single day, the government has taken all measures in acquiring all the needed medical equipment to deal with any eventuality.

Speaking to The Sentinel, Health Minister A.L. Hek said, ''The government is trying to procure all the medical equipments needed to deal with the virus as the number of COVID-19 cases has increased in the state especially in East Khasi Hills.''

He also said that at present most of the active cases are asymptomatic patients and they could go for home quarantine. Only a few cases are serious where the patients need oxygen and ventilator.

''Even so, we are going to prepare all eventuality so that we can fight this virus and save people's lives,'' he said.

When asked, he informed that the increase of cases in Meghalaya is from the large number of returnee from other states which has experienced a huge spike in COVID-19 cases.

''Around 70 per cent of cases in the State is due to returnees and 20 per cent due to local infection and the other are from the armed forces,'' he said.

Hek further said, ''As of now, the government does not want to impose lockdown because it will affect the livelihood of many daily wage workers. However, if the situation turns serious it might be an option in the future.''

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