Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 130/21

ORDER

In pursuance to the order from Home (Political) Department, Government of Meghalaya, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has in an order issued on 19th April, 2021 imposed the following restrictions for all areas falling within Shillong Urban Agglomeration i.e whole of Municipal area, whole of Cantonment area, all areas under Mawlai C&RD Block including Census Towns, Mawpat C&RD Block including Census Towns, Mylliem C&RD Block from Umshyrpi Bridge upto 7th Mile, Upper Shillong including, Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiang, Diengiong and Siejiong

1. All public functions and social or private gatherings are hereby prohibited till further orders. 2. Funerals and funeral services are permitted subject to a maximum of 50 persons attending and with intimation to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. 3. Weddings are permitted subject to application to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Wedding ceremonies in churches will be per SOP for religious places of worship, i.e., attendance of not more than 50 percent of the capacity of the church, while wedding receptions will be subject to a maximum of 50 guests. 4. Any other program of an urgent and unavoidable nature may be considered only upon application to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. 5. Religious places of worship may continue to function at 50 percent of the seating capacity. 6. Hotels and restaurants will open at 50 percent seating capacity. Any violation and non-compliance to SOPs will make the establishment liable for closure. People are advised to avail home delivery and takeaway service. 7. Shops and markets are allowed to open. However, non-compliance to protocols including maintenance of distancing, mask-wearing and hand hygiene will result in closure of the establishment. Street vendors and hawkers will comply assiduously to COVID19 safety protocols and social distancing is to be properly maintained. Area-wise or marketwise restrictions and regulations as recommended by concerned Incident Commanders or appropriate authority or as per orders of the District Magistrate will apply. 8. Sporting activities are permitted, subject to SOPs already issued. However, no spectators are allowed. 9. Attendance at State Government, Central Government and Private Offices will be as per Order of the Home (Political) Department dated 19th April, 2021. 10. All application may be submitted via email at dcofficeshillong@gmail.com/ dc-ekh-meg@nic.in or at the PFC, Ground Floor, Deputy Commissioners Office, Shillong.

Press Release No. 131/21

THE MEETING OF THE DISTRICT TASK FORCE, EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT ON COVID 19

The Meeting of the District Task Force on COVID 19 was held on the 19th April, 2021 at St. Anthony's College Auditorium, Shillong, which was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, East Hills, Shillong, Ms. Isawanda Laloo, lAS and was also attended by the Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Meghalaya, Shri. Sampath Kumar, IAS. Other members present were the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, District Medical & Health Officer, Addl. District Medical & Health Officer, District MCH Officer, District Surveillance Officer (IDSP), CEO Cantonment Board, Members of the District Task Force, the Religious Leaders, representative from various Churches, Members of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, Members of the Welfare Committees, etc.

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills highlighted the fact that there is an alarming rise of Covid-I9 cases in the State as a whole and in Shillong area in particular. While steps have been taken to track and test returnees coming from outside the state who may be carrying the virus and to isolate positive persons and high risk contacts, it is also critical that the community at large participates in causing awareness on the protocols for prevention, and especially in urging all eligible citizens to get vaccinated. The Deputy Commissioner sought the cooperation of all stakeholders for a concerted effort to contain the disease. She requested all Headmen to reactivate the Community Covid Management Committee (CCMT) which had been instrumental in the pandemic management last year.

The Principal Secretary noted that in the fight to contain the pandemic, individual behaviour change is important. He called upon the members to strengthen the Behaviour Change Management Committees (BCCM) which can play an important role to educate people on the importance of adopting Covid Appropriate Behavior as it is the first line of defense against the virus. He appealed to the members and encouraged the Community leaders and the religious leaders to come forward and get vaccinated for ensuring protection of self and ultimately the community as a whole. It was also decided to intensify awareness with the help of Headmen in all localities / villages to educate the people to come forward and get vaccinated so that they are protected.