Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 243/20

ORDER

The Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya in an order issued on 2nd April, 2020 has informed that Smti Ripnar Lyngdoh, Commissioner and Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department (9436106109) shall function as the Nodal Officer for coordinating relief measures for the migrant labour stranded in Meghalaya. Shri Bhupesh Hajong, Joint Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department (9436113592), Shri Bruce P. Marak, Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads) (8787662588), Shri Sienmiki Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Skill Development Officer, MSSDS (9863112123) and Shri Pyndapbor Marbaniang, Skill Development Officer, MSSDS (8794755571) will assist the Nodal Officer.

Press Release No. 244/20

ORDER

In pursuance of the orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya has in an order issued on 2nd April, 2020 informed that transportation of goods only will be allowed from the following locations in the State. The locations are Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills District, Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi District, Dainadubi in North Garo Hills District, Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills District and Garodoba in South West Garo Hills District.

Press Release No. 245/20

ORDER

The Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya in an order issued on 2nd April, 2020 has informed that Smti I. R. Sangma, Secretary, C&RD Department (9436112993), Shri Chinmay P. Gotmare, Secretary, Planning Department (9485098768) and Shri Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, Secretary, Political Department (9856451339) shall function as Nodal Officers for monitoring and coordinating with other State Governments for migrant workers and students from the State of Meghalaya who are stranded in other States. Shri Larry Rymbai, Executive Assistant, PIU-3, MSSDS (9856024237) will assist the Nodal Officers.

Press Release No. 246/20

NOTIFICATION

The Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya has informed that the current COVID-19 situation and the lockdown are likely to impact the State's own revenues and receipts from Government of India in the current financial year 2020-21. Government of Meghalaya is putting in place measures to cut expenditure and to enhance the allocations to fight COVID-19 and manage the availability of essential commodities for the general public.

Accordingly, a decision has been made that there shall be a deferment of 50 percent in the net salary in respect of the Chief Minister, Ministers and All India Service Officers- IAS, IPS and IFS for the month of March 2020. All other employees of the State Government will receive their full salary, added the Chief Secretary.

Press Release No. 247/20

ORDER

In prescribing Protocol on Handling of COVID-19 Suspect and Infected Cases and to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure safety of patient families and health workers, the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare Department in a notification issued on 1st April, 2020 has informed that only one family member will be permitted to accompany a suspected person being transported by Ambulances. Patient and attendant should be provided with triple layer mask and gloves.

Press Release No. 248/20

APPEAL

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has informed that in spite of appeals made in previous instances, there still continues to be a spread of series of false and misleading information being circulated on social media and other public platforms regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) which has created more unwanted panic and worry among the public. She stated that though it is important to stay alert and updated, strong and befitting action as per law will be taken against those who spread and cause unnecessary panic among the general public. Further, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District requests citizens to refrain from posting any unfounded information urging them to adhere and comply with all the advisories issued by the Integrated District Surveillance Programme, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya which have been widely circulated to the public.

Press Release No. 249/20

NOTIFICATION

The Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare Department in a notification issued on 2nd April, 2020 has informed that the overall supervision of the Corona Care Centres in the State will be under the management of Dr. Hunsi Giri, Additional Director of Health Services (MCH & FW) Phone No. 7005824138.

Further, the Nodal Officers for the Corona Care Centres are, Shillong – Dr. R. Allya, Project Director, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Meghalaya, Shillong. Phone No. 9436704233 and Tura – Dr. Meenakshi A. Sangma, Joint Director of Health Services, Garo Hills. 9436306107. Dr. Ivone Sangma, MCH Officer will look after the Corona Care Centres in Tura – 9436112377.

Press Release No. 250/20

ADVISORY REGARDING DECENTRALIZED MODEL OF TREATMENT

The Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare Department in a communication to the Director, NEIGRIHMS, Mawdiangdiang, Shillong has suggested that in order to break the transmission chain of COVID-19, NEIGRIHMS must take all the necessary steps to ensure that a decentralized model of treatment is provided to the suspected and infected patients in the region. The Secretary has also suggested that NEIGRIHMS should issue an advisory to the regional medical institutions, to avoid referring and sending patients who would fall in the case definition of COVID to NEIGRIHMS. The Secretary added that the suggestion is based on the fact that COVID-19 does not have any cure and it can be treated only through symptomatic treatment, which can be provided at the place of origin and this would greatly reduce the risk of spread of infection.

Press Release No. 252/20

PROTOCOL FOR TRANSFER OF NON-COVID-19 TO NEIGRIHMS

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surface of many positive cases in the North Eastern States, the Chief Secretary, Meghalaya has written to the Chief Secretaries of the different North Eastern States including Sikkim informing them of the Government of Meghalaya decision to issue a protocol for transfer of non-COVID-19 critically ill patients to the NEIGRIHMS. Accordingly, Prof. (Dr) D.M. Thappa, has informed that NEIGRIHMS will admit only critically ill non COVID-19 patient duly certified by the concerned State Health Authorities. According to Prof. Thappa, the number of accompanying attendants of the non COVID-19 critically ill patient will be limited to one. The Director has also informed that the data of the ambulance, driver, etc of the critically ill patients and accompanying person be maintained and certified by the State Health Authority at the border and that the order mandates quarantine for 14 days to attendees of patients coming from other State. Further, that the protocol stands effective till the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Press Release No. 253/20

NOTIFICATION

In a notification issued on 2nd April, 2020, the Chief Secretary Government of Meghalaya has informed that in view of the preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19, a Committee has been constituted to take effective measures to check circulation of fake news. The Committee is headed by Shri Barnari Mawlong, MCS, Director of Information and Public Relations and Shri David Laitphlang, President, Shillong Press Club and Shri Geffry Wainhok Lyngdoh, Deputy Superintendent (ER) as members of the Committee.

Press Release No. 254/20

ORDER

It has come to the notice of the Labour Commissioner, Meghalaya that during the period of lockdown imposed for prevention of community spread of COVID-19, domestic workers are being evicted by employers and are left shelterless without food. Notice is hereby given to all employers that they are to refrain from eviction of domestic workers during the lockdown period, said the Labour Commissioner adding that any violation of this Order will attract penal action as per law.

Press Release No. 255/20

PUBLIC APPEAL

In view of the surge in demand for opening new bank accounts by the daily wage earners, the Labour Commissioner, Meghalaya requested Headmen and leaders of traditional institutions, labour unions, workers union, NGOs to assist and facilitate filling up of account opening forms by the daily wage earners. The Labour Commissioner appealed that preventive measures for COVID-19 such as social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are follow while facilitating opening of account in the banks.

Press Release No. 256/20

CURFEW PROMULGATED IN SHILLONG

In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the country and globally, to put in place preventive measures and awareness, to identify and take more stringent steps to ensure social distancing and home quarantine so the pandemic of COVID-19 does not spread to East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of ensuring observance of strict protocols of the advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong in an order issued on 2nd April, 2020 has under section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has promulgated curfew in Shillong agglomeration and its adjoining areas with effect from 6:00 A.M. of 3rd April, 2020 upto 6:00 A.M. of 6th April, 2020. The areas to be under Curfew are whole of Municipal Area, Cantonment Area, all areas under Mawlai and Mawpat Blocks including their census towns, areas under Mylliem Block from Umshyrpi Bridge upto 7th Mile, Upper Shillong, Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiang, Diengiong and Siejiong. However, the order will not be applicable to security forces, medical teams on duty, wholesale and retail pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Services, MeECL and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI, Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering, AH&Veterinary Department, Meghalaya Directorate of Dairy Development, Shillong Municipal Board, Shillong Cantonment Board, Telecom, Telegraph, Communications & IT Services, Print and Electronic Media, Banks, ATMs and Treasuries, Petrol Pumps, essential services including Health Services, LPG Deliveries, online food delivery, online services delivery, courier services. The movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities, security forces, medical equipments and goods vehicles are also exempted, however, driver and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols. Curfew pass can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in. The prohibitory order will not affect the arrangement of fair price shops and identified local retailers which shall remain open as per schedule which will be released from time to time.

Press Release No. 257/20

SECTION 144 CRPC IMPOSED

In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the country and globally, to put in place preventive measures and awareness, to identify and take more stringent steps to ensure social distancing so the pandemic of COVID-19 does not spread to East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of ensuring observance of strict protocols of the advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong in an order issued on 2nd April, 2020 has under section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has prohibited assembly or gathering of five or more persons in public areas and premises beyond the individual households, operation of public and private transport and operation of major markets and commercial establishments in the areas of Mylliem Block beyond 7th Mile, Mawphlang, Sohiong, Mawsynram, Mawkynrew, Mawryngkneng, Laitkroh Khatarshnong, Pynursla, Shella Bholaganj Blocks, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions. The District Magistrate said that prohibitory Order will not apply to Security Forces, Medical Teams on duty, Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Services, MeECL and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI, Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering Department, AH & Veterinary Department and Meghalaya Directorate of Dairy Development, Shillong Municipal Board, Shillong Cantonment Board, Telecom, Telegraph, Communications and IT Services, Print and Electronic Media, Banks, ATMs and Treasuries, Petrol Pumps, essential services including Health Services, LPG deliveries, online food delivery, online services delivery, courier services. The movement of vehicles carrying commodities, security forces, medical equipments and goods vehicles are also exempted, however, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols. Curfew pass can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in. The District Magistrate also said that the order will not affect the arrangement of fair price shops and identified local retailers including groceries and essential shops, vegetables, fruits, meat and confectionery shops which shall open as per schedule which will be released from time to time. Rangbah Shnongs in coordination with the district police will regulate the operation of shops in their respective villages and ensure due compliance to the advisories of the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to social distancing concerning the COVID-19 situation. In addition, the public are to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 1 metre, not to overcrowd in one area or shop and to comply with management made by the district administration, district police and rangbah shnongs. This order shall come into force with effect from 6:00 AM of 3rd April, 2020 up to 6:00 AM of 6th April, 2020.