Meghalaya Slips Back Into Mini Lockdown After Successfully Containing Coronavirus For 3 Months

by Sanjana Shenoy
Meghalaya Slips Back Into Mini Lockdown After Successfully Containing Coronavirus For 3 Months

Meghalaya, the Scotland of the East was successfully able to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic for 3 months. Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma stated that out of 43 confirmed positive cases, 32 recovered. He credited the state’s quick imposition of lockdown and ‘Behaviour Change Model’ for successfully containing the virus. Alas, after 3 months, Meghalaya once again slips back to a mini lockdown from July 24 to July 31. Fresh infections took the total number of cases in the state to 354 as on July 16. To curb the spread of the virus, Meghalaya imposed a mini lockdown. Entry points like Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikrikilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj remain shut.

Meghalaya Imposes Mini Lockdown From July 24 To July 31

The decision to impose a mini lockdown in Meghalaya comes a day after the Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong informed that the lockdown won’t be extended further. The state government imposed a mini lockdown from July 24 to July 31. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that only people engaged in essential services shall receive permission to enter the state during this lockdown period. Meghalaya CM also stated that tourists need permission to enter the state. 

Also Read: Tourists Will Need Permit To Visit Meghalaya: Conrad Sangma, CM, Meghalaya

Entry Points To Meghalaya Closed Till August 1

The entry points of Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikrikilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj remain shut. And they will reopen on August 1.  But Byrnihat will shift to a new location to ensure smooth movement of traffic. The Chief Minister stated “To reduce the burden on our health workers and administration engaged in intensive surveillance for the past four months, the state government has decided to close all the entry points to the state from July 24 to July 31”.

meghalaya lockdown

Also Read: Meghalaya Now Holds A Record Of The World’s Longest Sandstone Cave

Weddings In Meghalaya Only Permitted in Places Of Worship

The Chief Minister also announced that solemnisation of marriages would only be permitted at places of worship. This must take place with strict adherence to social distancing norms. Earlier, 10 out of 41 people who attended a wedding reception in the state, tested positive for COVID-19. As many as 200 attendees were identified. They were put in a two-day lockdown in Shillong. However, on July 16, the caseload increased to 354 in total. Over 16 security personnel tested positive for the infection. Until the cases decrease, and it safe to travel to Meghalaya, do have a take a virtual tour of the state through this video.