Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 260/20

NOTIFICATION

The Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare Department in a notification issued on 2nd April, 2020 has informed that Civil Hospital, Shillong and Tura Civil Hospital has been notified as Dedicated Hospitals for focused treatment of persons infected with the highly contagious COVID-19. The Commissioner and Secretary has further informed that the District Hospitals, selected CHCs, PHCs, Private Hospital, Mission Hospital and newly set up Corona Care Centres (CCC) shall also treat any suspect and infected cases of COVID-19.

Press Release No. 261/20

ORDER

Given the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya has informed that the Government of India has launched a new app ‘Aarogya Setu’ that will help people track Covid-19 infections more accurately and effectively. Aarogya Setu is a mobile application developed by the Government of India to connect essential health services with the people of India in our combined fight against COVID-19. The App is aimed at augmenting the initiatives of the Government of India, particularly the Department of Health, in proactively reaching out to and informing the users of the app regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19. Further, the Chief Secretary stated that it is now mandated under the provisions of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 that residents of the State including persons who have been recommended for home isolation/ quarantine by the Government of Meghalaya should now download the app Aarogya Setu which is available on both android and iOS platforms.

Press Release No. 262/20

PARCEL TRAIN FOR ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

The Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Shri M. S. Rao, in a letter to the Executive Director, Freight Marketing Railway Board has informed that the State of Meghalaya has one Railway station at Mendipathar, North Garo Hills District and apprising him that in view of the current emergent situation arising out of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the State government is of the view that a parcel train to Mendipathar is necessary to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the people of the State. The Chief Secretary in a communication requested the Executive Director, Freight Marketing Railway Board to consider starting a parcel train to Mendipathar immediately and that on receipt of confirmation from the Railway Board he informed that a detailed proposal on requirement of various essential commodities will be put forward by the State Government.

Press Release No. 263/20

GUIDELINES FOR FARMERS AND FARMING SECTOR DURING LOCKDOWN PERIOD

The Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has informed that in order to facilitate unhindered activities related to agriculture and allied sectors and to ensure essential supplies during the lockdown, Government of India has issued Guidelines for farmers and farming sector during lockdown period due to COVID-19. Farmers are to follow precautions and safety measures to be taken to prevent the disease spread. Simple measures include social distancing of 3-4 feet, maintaining personal hygiene by washing of hands with soap, wearing of face mask, protective clothing, cleaning and sanitization of implements and machinery. All involved in agriculture and allied activities are advised to follow safety measures and social distancing at each and every step in the entire process of field operations. Detailed guidelines will be available at Website of Directorate of Agriculture – https://megagriculture.gov.in and www.megfarmer.gov.in and from the District Agriculture/Horticulture Officer.