NONGPOH/SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Saturday held meetings at Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi and in East Jaintia Hills respectively to take stock of preparedness in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tynsong lauded and appreciated the officials for their untiring efforts in the fight against coronavirus.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner R M Kurbah, Superintendent of Police C Syrti, GB Lyngdoh MLA of Umroi, MB Syiem MLA of Nongpoh, Sosthenes Sohtun MLA of Jirang, Dasakhiat Lamare MLA of Mawhati, Jason S Mawlong MLA of Umsning and Victor Ranee MDC of Jirang among others.
He sought the cooperation of the officials, the headmen and people at large to work together to fight against the disease. Furthermore, he urged the people to observe a complete lockdown, adding that COVID-19 has affected worldwide. He said although there was no case in the state yet people should not be complacent.
Informing that people coming from outside the state is not less than 2,000, he said everyone should be alert.
Asking the health surveillance team to follow up on those in quarantine, he said that Ri Bhoi district has already prepared two quarantine centres at Conservation Training Institute (CTI) Byrnihat and the State Institute for Rural Development (SIRD) at Umiam.
As for essential commodities, Tynsong appealed to the people not to panic saying there is no shortage and that the government will release allotment soon for April as well as for May and June.
The deputy commissioner urged the headmen to be watchful of their residents coming from outside.
On the other hand, addressing a meeting, the Home minister said the state government will facilitate and assist the wholesalers of East Jaintia Hills in transportation of essential commodities so as to prevent any shortage.
Rymbui held the meeting with headmen, retailers and wholesalers of different villages in the district to discuss the availability and distribution of food grains and other essential commodities in the district.
He also said that the district administration has already identified the supply areas and shops in different parts of the district to ensure that essential commodities reach the people.
Rymbui further appealed to all retailers not to take advantage of the situation by overpricing.
He added that the state government is monitoring the pricing of goods and commodities and if any case of overcharging is reported by the public, strict action will be taken against the concerned retailer.
He also directed the DC to ensure availability of money in ATMs.
