The Meghalaya government has extended the nightly curfew in the West Garo Hills district to December 3 as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In continuation with the earlier order, night curfew under Section 144 Cr PC (read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Disease, COVID-19 Regulations 2020) has been extended in the entire West district to December 22, said an order.
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The curfew will be in force between 10:00 pm to 5:00 am each day.
However, this order will not be applicable to medical teams and officials on Covid-19 duty, MeECL, Public Health Engineering and Public Works Department, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard volunteers, Food and Civil Supply Department, PDS Wholesaler/Dealer and FCI staff and Tura Municipal Board.
It has also exempted National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), Telecom Services, Telecom, Telegraph Communication and IT Services, NIC, Press, Print and Electronic Media and Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies.
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Besides, these services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures, including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of the government in the Health and Family Welfare Department without fail, the order stated.
Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipment and shops for the repair of trucks on highways have been allowed during the curfew.
However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.
Further, the District Magistrate of West Garo Hills has advised everyone that wearing of face mask and covering the mouth and nose when coming out in an emergency is mandatory.
Spitting and smoking in public places, including offices and workplaces, is prohibited.
Violators will be imposed penalty by the designated officers who have been empowered under Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897.