SHILLONG: Additional protocols have been put in place by the Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor as part of precautionary measures related to COV1D- 19 during the election to lone Rajya Sabha seat on Thursday.
In a letter addressed to Andrew Simons, the Commissioner and Secretary, Assembly, on Monday, Kharkongor said the additional measures were taken following a video conference with the Election Commission of India.
According to the protocols, the CEO, Shillong Municipal Board will be requested to undertake sanitisation of all the likely places of human contact with special emphasis on the polling station area, the route leading to the designated polling station, the identified secretarial room, the rest rooms, waiting lounge area for the electors, the media room, refreshment areas with a focused attention on the polling station premises and immediate surroundings.
The election will be held at the annex hall of temporary Assembly building in Rilbong.
The direction is also to strictly ensure staggered and regulated entry of electors, preferably in batches of not more than four, while maintaining social distance ranging from 1 metre to 1.5 metres.
“The integrated violet sketch pen should be sanitised by the designated staff, after an elector utilises the pen but prior to the usage by the next incoming elector”, the direction said.
The seating arrangements for polling officials/polling agents/counting officials/counting agents should be arranged in such a manner so as to ensure social and physical distance ranging from 1 metre to 1.5 metres, the letter said.
According to Kharkongor, there is a need to ensure social distancing among polling officials, various poll related personnel and the electors during polling hours and within the premises and precincts of the polling area. Hand hygiene and suitable arrangements for sanitisers for polling officials, observer and electors are also part of the steps.
Another suggestion is to impart suitable sensitisation on respiratory etiquette among all the polling officials and electors involved.
