Dorbar Shnong demands security at quarantine centre

SHILLONG: The Dorbar Shnong of Laitkor Mawrie has appealed to the state government to provide security personnel to man the quarantine centre at Laitkor Presbyterian LP School that will house five returnees.
Speaking to reporters, the headman of Laitkor Mawrie, Phorkly Kharshiing said the locality is unable to recruit a guard to man the centre besides bearing the heavy expenses for the volunteer.
“The Shnong has to bear the expenses of paying the volunteer. Where will we get the fund from? We are finding it difficult but we will manage.”
Besides the salary of the guard, the Shnong will also bear the water expenses. Earlier, the locality also had a problem searching for a quarantine centre with proper facilities such as water and washroom.
Kharshiing said that the Shnong will have to pay between Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 to the guard (volunteer) at the centre which he pointed out will be tough as funds are limited. Food for the inmates is brought by the respective families.
Water for their daily hygienic use is also arranged. 2 sets of PPE have been arranged by the MLA and the guard has been instructed to wear a mask and gloves and distance himself from the inmates. A doctor will visit the quarantine centre regularly.
On Saturday, there was only one person who arrived from Chennai. On Sunday, people from Gujarat were scheduled to arrive and will be staying at the quarantine centre for 28 days.
Kharshiing understands that quarantine centres will ensure that the returnees do not mingle with their family or other residents.
“The doctor comes to check those quarantined at the centre. The inmates will be kept in separate rooms. Toilets, bathrooms are being arranged for them. There are five people and we have prepared five rooms. We have done all that we can as per the instructions from the health department”, he said.
When asked about those who returned earlier, he said that others who came before the lockdown have already registered themselves with the locality.