SHILLONG: Over the period of lockdown and ban on interstate travel, it was observed that a significant number of people were frequently travelling from Meghalaya to Assam or even the border areas of the two neighbouring states. This increases the risk of being infected as one can contract the virus during transit.
In this regard, the state government, in addition to the protocols issued earlier, has ordered that persons who often travel to Assam will have to undergo antibody testing or RTK upon arrival at the screening counters in the state. Further, they will only be permitted to enter the state after they test negative for COVID-19, a statement from the Health department said.
If tested positive, the individual will have to be quarantined and tested with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
SOP for employers
After the lockdown was imposed across the country, several skilled as well as high-skilled workers started to return to their native places owing to the complete halt in all industrial and commercial activities.
However, as the lockdown gradually eased, employers have begun bringing them back to resume works and the state government, therefore, has laid down standard operating procedures (SOP) in order to ensure that the workers do not bring the virus into the state.
As per the SOP, the employers primarily need to obtain consent from respective deputy commissioners prior to bringing the workers into the state. Following this, their complete address and contact details have to be provided to the DC.
The employers will then have to register the workers with the Deputy Labour Commissioner and submit and undertaking confirming adherence to all health protocols with regard to COVID-19.
After their arrival, the workers will undergo mandatory tests and if he tests positive, the person will have to undergo all protocols as per the government. However, if he tests negative, the worker will be shifted to a paid quarantine facility, and all expenses will be borne by the concerned employer.
The employer will ensure that in the work premises are well sanitised and sensitise the workers on COVID-19.