Meghalaya: Here the key higlights from Conrad Sangma's coronavirus briefing

Taking stock of the prevailing situation in the country, Meghalaya CM, Conrad Sangma addressed the media.

Here are the key statements, he delivered:

Large gathering should not be permitted.

Travel restriction including inter-state movement should continue. Travel should be minimised.

Economic planning and support to States should be accorded priority by the central govt. Health infrastructure should be improved in the State; every State should have its economic plan keeping in mind its respective concerns.

GoI should allow States to decide on defining the zones and containment area.

Micro management of the situation is very important and each State should be allowed to take its own decisions.

Meghalaya has its Economic Task Force constituted. We are pushing for a regional economic zone and we seek Hon'ble PM's support to promote this.

Two different approach is being followed across the world — to close down or open; herd immunity, we are a big nation, different strategy will work at different levels, we need to think of a different strategy to combat this disease.

Elderly should be requested to remain indoors and we must protect our senior citizens. All States are having financial issues with debts and taxes. Therefore, financial support is required from the centre.

• The biggest challenge for us will be for people coming back from different parts of the country.
• Same policies will not work in the whole country. We must continue following guidelines like avoiding large gatherings. To keep the virus in check, Inter-State movement should be minimised, we need to prepare economic planning structure and strengthen health infrastructure.
• All States must be allowed to do their own planning, so strategies are more effective.
• Micro management is important and states can take up their own decision to tackle the situation. Meghalaya has an economic task force set up that is looking into boosting State's economy during this time. It is important to make economic zones regional for the benefit of all states. There are two approaches, one you open everything and another you continue with the lockdown. Every area and region must have a different strategy and a community strategy must be put in place in states.

  We must also prioritize and protect our senior citizens and keep them indoors.

• All states have financial issues during this time with debts and taxes. Therefore, we seek financial help and assistance from the centre.

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