Meghalaya government has not ruled out imposing total lockdown across the state after witnessing the sudden rise in the number COVID19 positive cases in the last eight days.
As on June 30, only 10 active cases were reported out of the total 53 COVID19 cases.
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But on Tuesday, the total of active cases increased to 50 after six more positive cases detected in the state.
The new active cases detected on Tuesday include 5 from East Khasi Hills district including 1 BSF jawan, and one from Ri Bhoi district who returned from outside the state.
“The situation is not conducive now, and I request the citizens to refrain from unnecessary exposures,” Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Tuesday.
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Asked if total lockdown is required to be imposed to help contain the spread of the virus, Tynsong replied, “If the situation worsens or continues to be grim, we have no option. This is the message and I appeal to the citizens of the state to refrain the exposures.”
Tynsong also warned that anybody who does not comply with the protocols would be put behind bar.
However, the government came under severe criticisms from the people for not restricting the entry and exit of people along the inter-state border with Assam though the government claimed that inter-state movement is strictly prohibited.
People from other states continue to come to Meghalaya including those who return from outside the state.
The ability of 41 people from Meghalaya to enter Assam by passing through the check point at Byrnihat and attend the wedding party at Greenwood Resort in Guwahati has left the government red-faced.
In this regard, Tynsong said inquiries by the two deputy commissioners of East Khasi Hills district and Ri Bhoi are on, and they would submit the report on Wednesday.
“In the review meeting we discussed this event that took place on June 27 and a small reception that also took place in Shillong. We instructed the deputy commissioners of the two districts to inquire in order to find the lapses. Action will be taken against those responsible for such lapses,” Tynsong said.
He informed that the state government has further strengthened the entry points and rapid test is being done at the entry points for all be it armed forces or the general public.
Health minister AL Hek informed that with six more positive cases, the number of active cases in Meghalaya has gone up from 44 to 50 now.
Hek informed that the number of active positive cases include 29 from East Khasi Hills including 23 BSF personnel, 15 from Ri-Bhoi, 3 from West Garo Hills district, 2 from South West Garo Hills district, and 1 from East Jaiñtia Hills district.
The number of persons who have recovered was 43, and the total number of COVID19 cases in Meghalaya now is 95 including two deaths.
Hek informed that samples collected from the BSF composite hospital at Umpling were 865, out of which 23 BSF personnel tested positive, and 562 reported negative while results of 281 are awaited.
Altogether 21,823 samples were sent for tests, out of which 21,414 samples tested negative and 320 test results are awaited.
The testing capacity of Meghalaya now is 645 per day.
The number of stranded citizens, who returned till Tuesday, was 20,470.