SHILLONG: The state government on Sunday held a series of discussions on whether there should be a partial lockdown in the state including closure of schools and colleges in view of the coronavirus scare.
The chief minister and health minister also held a meeting while later again another meeting took place among government officials.
According to sources, some more meetings are on the cards among the Education, Health and other line departments to discuss the matter and take a final call.
“We have to see the pros and cons before taking any decision,” a source said.
Neighbouring Assam on Sunday decided to shut down all government and private schools, colleges, institutes and universities as well as cinema halls/multiplexes, gymnasiums and swimming pools, from March 16 to 29 as a precautionary measure against community transmission of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). See Page 4
Assembly protection
Meanwhile, state Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh on Sunday said that he would discuss with chief minister and the health minister on Monday on measures required to be taken to rule out any risk that may arise from the gathering at the House in view of the threat posed by coronavirus. The Budget session of the Assembly started on Friday and is scheduled to continue till March 25.
Minimising gathering of people is a step that is being taken across the world in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed over 6,000 lives, including two in the country last week.
A large number of people collect at the Assembly premises during any session. They include ministers, MLAs, officials, other staff, police and media persons among others.
The Speaker, however, cited the instance of Parliament, which is also in session, as are some other state assemblies.
“The session is important so without there being any urgent reason it should go on. I’m concerned about students who are vulnerable, so the government has to take measures to deal with any eventualities,” Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh said.
Opposition Chief Whip, PT Sawkmie, said that if any positive case was reported in the state, then cancelling the session could have been thought of, but since there is none as of now, the session can go on.
Moreover, he said that this is a very important session since the Budget is to be presented.
He, however, said that the Health department must take precautionary measures to ensure that the premises are kept safe since not less than 600-700 people attend the session on a single day.
Echoing similar views, Congress MLA Azad Zaman said though no one has been affected with COVID-19, but the Health department must give some directions to the people regarding personal hygiene.
When contacted, an official of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, requesting anonymity, said that so far the Health department has not taken any precautionary measures.
