Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 454/20

NIGHT CURFEW PROMULGATED IN EAST KHASI HILLS

In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in 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 Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued today under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has promulgated night curfew in East Khasi Hills District with effect from 6th July, 2020 upto 13th July, 2020 only for timings falling between 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM each day. The District Magistrate said that the order will not apply to Security Forces, Medical Teams on duty, Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Service, MeECL, NEEPCO and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI, PWD, PHE, Shillong Municipal Board, Postal Service, Telecom, Communications and IT Services, Press, Print and Electronic Media, Petrol Pumps including Indian Oil Corporation, essential services including Health Services, hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary clinics, labs, authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of Health & Family Welfare Department and Government officials on duty.

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 Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipments and shops for repair of trucks on highways are also exempted. However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols. Curfew passes for timings falling between 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM with effect from 6th July, 2020 upto 13th July, 2020 can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in.

Press Release No. 455/20

PROHIBITORY ORDER

In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and 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 is contained, reduced and eliminated in 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 Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued today under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has prohibited inter-state movement, any assembly whatsoever and while enforcing this every individual to mandatorily maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and to strictly follow the various protocols and advisories of the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department at all times, without fail in all of East Khasi Hills District including Shillong urban agglomeration, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and C&RD Blocks with effect from 6th July, 2020 upto 13th July, 2020 only for timings falling between 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day. The order also prohibits operation of unregulated major markets and unregulated shopping complexes, Border Haats and markets located the inter-state borders, operation of all cinema halls, gymnasium, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditorium, assembly halls and similar recreational places, all forms of contact sports and spectators in sport grounds and stadia, operation of educational institutions, training centres and coaching classes (tuitions) barring online and distance learning, opening of religious places and places of worship of all faiths to the public including religious gatherings and congregation. However, marriage rituals in places of worship is permitted only after due permission is obtained from the District Magistrate.

The order also prohibited all forms of large public gathering and congregation including social, political, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious function etc, moving in public, work places and during transport without a mask, spitting in public places and consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc in public places, operation of cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours, lottery counter. Further, the order prohibits incoming additional workforce from outside the District except for skilled, highly skilled, specialized professionals and technicians regulated by standard operating procedures and order of the Labour and Health and Family Welfare Departments, Meghalaya as notified and issued earlier by the respective departments but due permission with undertaking needs to be taken from the District Magistrate’s office. In the order, general instruction also states that individual must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet or 2 metres in public places, number of guests in marriage related gatherings not to exceed 50, weddings and or receptions in hotel halls within the overall maximum ceiling of 50 persons as per the guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and subject to observance of social distancing norms will be allowed on a case to case basis. However, due permission needs to be obtained from the District Magistrate via applications to be submitted well in advance. For funeral and last rites related gatherings, the number of guests must not exceed 20. Persons above 65 years of age, person with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes. Operation of supply chains, wholesalers, retail outlets, shops, services and other establishments in the whole of East Khasi Hills District will be regulated as per scheduled timings and dates which will be released in advance from time to time by the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District.

Also, the operation of permitted shops, services, establishment, agricultural, industrial and commercial activities must strictly adhere to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and national directives of Government for COVID-19 Management in Public Places and Work Places including mandatory compliance the advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail and also to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to offices, both public and private, as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Employers of all forms of activities including shops, services, establishments, agricultural, industrial, etc, must ensure that Aarogya Setu Application is installed by all their employees having compatible mobile phones, without fail. All residents of the District are to install Aarogya Setu Application on compatible mobile phones and to regularly update their health status on the app for containment of COVID-19 pandemic. The designated Joint Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Sub-Divisional Officer (C) Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions, Block Development Officers and District Heads of Office in East Khasi Hills will issue vehicle passes only to their respective officers and staff specifically for official purposes and they should ensure that these passes are utilized strictly for official purpose only and any deviation will render the Issuing Authority and the employee, staff, pass holder liable to legal action. The order also stated that the name, address, contact details, timings and purpose of the pass are to be clearly reflected. However, passes for all forms of outward inter-state movement from East Khasi Hills District will only be issued by the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District.

Press Release No. 456/20

ORDER

Upon announcement by Government to resume regulated operation of Iewduh, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 5th July, 2020 has allowed 413 shops from fixed stalls in the market to open with effect from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM strictly on rotation basis and alphabetical pattern as per notifications issued by the Acting Syiem, Hima Mylliem. The order states that the Syiem of Hima Mylliem must ensure strict compliance by the shopkeepers to the Health protocols for market issued recently by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department. The order also states that Iewduh COVID-19 Management Committee has been constituted to monitor the operation of Iewduh Market with Syiem of Hima Mylliem as team leader, all Myntris of Syiem Mylliem, Policemen of Syiem of Hima Mylliem and Enforcement of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council as members, besides, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Shillong to be represented by Smt. B. Ranee, MCS, Executive Magistrate & Incident Commander of Zone-IV, Smti. D.V. Lyngdoh, MCS, Executive Magistrate, Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, Shillong to be represented by Sector Police of Zone-IV and District Medical & Health Officer of East Khasi Hills, Shillong to be represented by the Medical Officer of Zone-IV as special invitees members.

Operation of these 413 shops must strictly adhere to the prescribed standard operating procedures of Government and mandatory compliance to all the advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. The Syiem of Hima Mylliem will regulate the operation of these 413 shops and also to ensure due compliance to the advisories of the Government in the Health & Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to social distancing concerning the COVID -19 situation. The Deputy Commissioner also directed shopkeepers and customers to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, not to overcrowd in one area or shop, to wear mask which is mandatory and non compliance will entail action of closure of the shops concerned, not to spit in public places, to cooperate with management made by the Syiem Mylliem. The order also states that violation of any or all the norms and protocols will entail legal action and closure of the shops.

Press Release No. 457/20

ORDER

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 5th July, 2020 has informed that identified shops operating from fixed premises will open as scheduled from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM in Shillong Urban Agglomeration for areas falling under Police Bazaar, GS Road from Khyndailad to Motphran, Keating Road, Jail Road, Motphran, Anjalee Point, Mawlonghat, Iew Mawlong, Cantonment, retail shops of Jeep Stand, Garikhana and Paltan Bazaar. However, cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours and lottery counter will remain closed till further orders. According to the order, stand alone shops serial numbers 1 and 3 will open on, 6th, 8th, 10th , 14th, 16th and 18th July, 2020, while stand alone shops serial numbers 2 and 4 will open on 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th July, 2020. For shops in shopping malls and complexes except Glory’s plaza, JM Towers and Jivan Ram Complex and Khasi Market, shops with serial numbers 1, 3 and 5 will open on 6th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 16th and 18th July, 2020, while shops with serial numbers 2, 4 and 6 will open on, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th July, 2020.

Wholesale shops, both essential and non essential, operating from fixed premises in areas falling under Jeep Stand, Garikhana and Paltan Bazaar of Shillong urban agglomeration will also open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. However, on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they will be open exclusively only for doorstep delivery to their retailers, till further orders. Shops in Glorys Plaza, JM Towers except COSMOS and Jivan Ram Complex (Bhutia Market) shop number 5 will open on 6th and 14th July, 2020, shop number 6 will open on 7th and 15th July, 2020 shop number 1 will open on 8th and 16th July, 2020, shop number 2 will open on 9th and 17th July, 2020, shop number 3 will open on 10th and 18th July, 2020 and shop number 4 will open on 11th and 13th July, 2020. For Khasi Market below Jaiaw Taxi Stand at Motphran, shops with serial number 1 and 4 will open on 6th, 9th, 15th, 18th, 21st and 24th July, 2020 shops number 2 and 5 will open on 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 22nd and 25th July, 2020 and shops number 3 and 6 will open on 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th and 23rd July, 2020. For shops located at Jhalupara, Mawbah and Barapathar, shops with serial number 2 and 4 will open on 6th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 16th and 18th July, 2020 and shops number 1 and 3 will open on 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th July, 2020.

Shopping malls and complexes must strictly follow the standard operating procedures to contain the spread of COVID-19 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of India without fail. Gaming arcades, children play area, cinema hall inside shopping complex and mall will remain closed. The owner of the shopping mall, complex and the respective shopkeepers must compulsorily comply to the standard operation procedures of Government and instructions from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District failing which the concerned shop of the shopping mall, complex will be closed down followed by legal action. No loitering is allowed in the shopping mall, complex and only customers shall enter to make purchase and exit immediately thereafter, without fail. Operation of restaurant, cafe and food outlet excluding those that are located along National Highway are allowed to operate daily between 8:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M. and in strict compliance to the standard operating procedures issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Tourism Department and also to the standard operating procedures on preventive measures in restaurant to contain spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. However, operation of restaurants, cafés, food outlets and tea stalls along national highway is strictly for home delivery and take away service only. Home delivery and takeaway service is allowed till 10:00 PM

Operation of barber shops, beauty parlours and saloons must operate as per allotted serial number and in strict compliance to the standard operating procedures of health protocol for saloons and beauty parlours as issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Health and Family Welfare Department. Hotels are permitted to resume operation with effect from 1st July, 2020 subject to strict compliance to the standard operating procedures issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Tourism Department and standard operating procedures on preventive measures in hotels and other hospitality units to contain spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Due permission is to be strictly obtained, without fail from the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills for the resumption of operation. Operation of the wholesale and retail pharmacies, clinic both private and public, labs, veterinary hospital, dispensary, petrol pumps, home delivery and takeaway of food, mobile car repairing service consisting of two technicians and mechanics, courier services and e-commerce operation for all goods and CSCs, services provided by self-employed persons, eg., electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters, automobile showrooms, wine stores and bonded warehouses and fair price shops both NFSA and Non-NFSA which will open and operate daily and operate daily in Police Bazaar, G.S.Road (from Khyndailad to Motphran), Keating Road, Jail Road, Motphtan, Anjalee Point, Malonghat, Iew Mawlong, Cantonment, Jeep Stand, Garikhana and Paltan Bazaar except cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours and lottery counter.

Only in-situ construction with in-situ worker which shall include labourers, supervisors, contractors etc, working in the construction site coming from their residence within the same district are allowed to operate daily. However, they shall obtain permission and submit an undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District For incoming skilled workforce, highly skilled and professionals, the employer is to follow the standard operating procedures and orders as issued by Labour and Health and Family Welfare Departments. However, due permission with an Undertaking needs to be taken from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Private office establishments with 33 percent employee-strength are allowed. However, they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and to mandatorily comply with the national directives, standard operating procedures of Government of India for COVID-19 Management and to all advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya. In addition, they must strictly follow the standard operating procedures on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in office and work place as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, without fail. Non-contact sports excluding gymnasium in strict compliance to standard operating procedures for non-contact and indirect-contact sporting activities issued by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya are allowed, however, they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District.

50 percent of private and public transport will operate as per orders notified earlier and movement of vehicles and other traffic arrangements will be prepared and regulated by the office of Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. Inter-district movement of persons is permitted. However, inter-state movement of persons will continue to be restricted. Operation of permitted establishments and services must strictly adhere to the prescribed standard operation procedures of the Government and mandatory compliance to the advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. Zonal Magistrates, District Police and Shillong Municipal Board will regulate the operation of the shops, services and commercial establishments and also to ensure due compliance to the advisories of Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to Social Distancing concerning the COVID-19 situation. The Deputy Commissioner also requested the public to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, not to overcrowd in one area, shop, shopkeepers and customers are to mandatorily wear masks and non compliance will entail action of closure of the shops concerned, not to spit in public places, to cooperate with management made by the District Administration, District Police and Shillong Municipal Board.

Press Release No. 458/20

ORDER

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 5th July, 2020 has informed that all shops operating from fixed premises will open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. in East Khasi Hills District. However, cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours and lottery counters shall remain closed till further orders. However, this order will not apply to areas falling under Police Bazaar, G. S Road (from Kyndailad to Motphran), Keating Road, Jail Road, Motphran, Jhalupara, Mawbah, Barapathar, Anjalee Point, Mawlonghat, Iew Mawlong, Cantonment, Jeep Stand, Garikhana, Paltan Bazaar and Iewduh. According to the order, alternate shops on rotation basis will open in shopping malls and complexes and they have to strictly follow the standard operating procedures on preventive measures in shopping malls to contain the spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of India without fail. The order added that gaming arcades, children play area and cinema hall inside shopping complexes and malls will remain closed. The owners of the shopping malls and complexes and the respective shopkeepers shall strictly adhere to the alternative opening of shops on rotation basis and they shall also compulsorily comply to standard operating procedures of Government and instructions from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District failing which the concerned shop or the shopping mall and complex will be closed down to be followed by legal action. No loitering is allowed in the shopping mall, complex and only customers shall enter to make purchase and exit immediately thereafter without fail and the SDO (Civil) of Pynursla and Sohra Civil Sub Divisions, Incident Commander, Block Development Officers, police, headman, owner of shopping mall or complex and respective shopkeepers will decide on the alternate opening of shops on rotation basis.

Restaurant, cafe and food outlets excluding those that are located along national highway will open daily in East Khasi Hills District including Shillong urban agglomeration, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub Divisions and in all the C & RD Blocks except cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours and lottery counter and they must operate in strict compliance to the standard operating procedures issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Tourism Department and also to the standard operating procedures on preventive measures in restaurant to contain spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. However, operation of restaurants, cafés, food outlets and tea stalls along national highway is strictly for home delivery and take away service. Home delivery and takeaway service is allowed till 10:00 PM. Operation of barber shops, beauty parlours and saloons must be in strict compliance to the standard operating procedures of health protocol for saloons and beauty parlours as issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Health and Family Welfare Department. Identified weekly markets except border haats and markets located in the inter-state border are permitted to open in East Khasi Hills District subject to strict compliance with the standard operating procedures issued recently by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department. Hotels are permitted to resume operation with effect from 1st July, 2020 subject to strict compliance to the standard operating procedures issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Tourism Department and standard operating procedures on preventive measures in hotels and other hospitality units to contain spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Due permission is to be strictly obtained, without fail from the office of the Deputy Commissioner for resumption for operation. Pharmacies, clinics, labs, veterinary clinics, dispensary, petrol pumps, home delivery and takeaway of food, mobile car repairing service consisting of two technicians and mechanics, courier services and e-commerce operation for all goods and Common Service Centres, services provided by self-employed persons, eg., electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters.

All construction works in rural areas are allowed but permission is to be obtained and an Undertaking needs to be submitted to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. In urban areas, only in-situ construction where workers are available on site or workers, labourers, supervisors, etc working in the construction site coming from their residence within the same district are allowed and no workers are required to be brought from outside and construction of renewable energy projects are also allowed but they must obtain permission and submit an undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. For incoming skilled workforce, highly skilled and professionals, the order stated that employer should follow standard operating procedures and orders of Labour and Health and Family Welfare Departments, Government of Meghalaya and due permission with Undertaking needs to be taken from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills. Private offices establishments with 33 percent employee-strength are allowed to open. They must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and to mandatorily comply to the national directives and standard operating procedures of Government of India for COVID-19 Management and to all advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department. In addition, they must strictly follow the standard operating procedures on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in office and work place as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, without fail. The operation of notified weighbridges to facilitate checking of loaded vehicles is allowed. However, they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Border trade with Bangladesh through Land Customs Stations is permitted subject to strict compliance of the standard operating procedures being issued by the State Government in the Commerce and Industry Department. However, trade through border haat is not permitted.

Non-contact sports excluding gymnasium in strict compliance to standard operating procedures for non-contact and indirect-contact sporting activities issued by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya are allowed. However, they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. 50 percent of private and public transport will operate as per orders notified earlier and inter-district movement of persons is permitted. However, inter-state movement of persons will continue to be restricted. In addition, the order state that food processing units including rice mills and mustard oil processing in rural areas outside municipalities, brick kilns in rural areas outside municipalities, industrial units, cement plants will operate at 100 percent capacity, mining of limestone and boulder by lease-holder for domestic sale in the state or country and export outside the country is permitted only through automated, elevated conveyor belt with no human intervention, quarrying of chips and aggregates including their transportation, all agriculture and allied sectors activities like farming operations including livestock farming, poultry, fishery and hatcheries, collection, processing and distribution of milk and milk products, mandis by AMPC, procurement and marketing of agricultural produce, Custom Hiring Centres, cold storage and warehouses, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of agriculture inputs, seed, animal feed and fodder, movement of harvesting and sowing related machines and implements, operation of tea industry including plantation for production, processing, packaging and marketing, transportation of all agricultural products, MGNREGA works with strict implementation of social distancing and face mask are allowed to open and operate daily after they have submitted an Undertaking to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Operation of permitted establishments, services, agricultural, industrial and commercial activities in both urban and rural areas must strictly adhere to the prescribed standard operation procedures of the Government and mandatory compliance to the Advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department without fail. The local Headmen (Rangbah Shnong) in coordination with Incident Commander and Police will regulate the operation of the shops, services and commercial establishments in their respective localities and villages and also to ensure due compliance to the advisories of Government in the Health & Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to social distancing concerning the COVID-19 situation.

The Deputy Commissioner also requested the public to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, not to overcrowd in one area or shop, shopkeepers and costumers shall mandatorily wear masks and non compliance will entail action of closure of the shops concerned, not to spit in public places and to cooperate with the management made by the District Administration, District Police and Headman. However, this order shall not affect the arrangement for operation of wholesalers of Iewduh for vegetables, betelnut, betel leaf, and locally produced traditional equipments and tools in parking lot of Shillong Municipal Board located at Mawlonghat.