Meghalaya Reports First Positive Case of COVID-19, Shillong Under 'Complete Curfew' for 2 Days

Shillong, April 13, 2020:

Meghalaya has reported its first positive case of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. The first positive case is a 69-year-old doctor from the Bethany Hospital in Shillong, Inside Northeast sources have confirmed. The Shillong Agglomeration will now be under complete curfew for two days starting from 6 am on April 14.

ALSO READ: Assam: Massive Crowds Throng Liquor Shops after Business Resumes amid Lockdown

Meghalaya's CM Conrad Sangma has informed that the Bethany Hospital has been completely quarantined and closed down.

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It may be added here that today the Meghalaya Cabinet also discussed about the restrictions to be placed in the State after the National ‘lockdown’ ends. The cabinet has decided that lockdown will continue in the state of Meghalaya from 15 April to 30 April.

Inter-state movement remains restricted and all inter-state entry and exit points will continue to be remained sealed throughout Meghalaya.

ALSO READ: Breaking: Mizoram Girl Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai

On the basis of inputs received from deputy commissioners of different districts across the

state, the cabinet has also decided that inter-district movement will not be allowed until such time as the Government feels necessary to lift the restrictions. However, migrant workers from within the state stranded in different locations in the state due to restrictions on inter-district travel will be allowed to return back to their respective homes in different parts of the state. Their transportation will be monitored by the State Transport Department along  with deputy commissioners of concerned districts.

ALSO READ: Mentally Challenged Woman Stuck between Tripura & Bangladesh amid Corona Crisis

The Deputy Chief Minister also clarified on the opening of ‘weekly markets’ in the state, as

was decided in the earlier cabinet meeting held on the 6 April, 2020 and said that the

‘weekly market’ was meant to denote ‘local village markets’.

Meanwhile, the districts of Meghalaya which share an inter-state boundary with Assam which has reported that most number of cases, the respective deputy commissioners have been entrusted to examine the feasibility of the resumption of such local village markets.

The cabinet after a thorough discussion and feedback taken from different deputy

commissioners and senior government functionaries has reviewed its decision to allow

plying of private transport within the state. Restrictions on private transport in urban areas of the state will remain until further orders.

In the rural areas private transport will be subject to the regulation made by the respective deputy commissioners and the transport department. The cabinet also discussed in detail the reopening of industries in the state and has directed the industries department to work out the modalities for the same.

Yesterday, Nagaland had reported its first case of the COVID-19 and earlier today, Assam reported its 30th case.

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