SHILLONG: Concerned over the spike in COVID-19 cases in Assam and the rest of the country, the state government has decided to further strengthen the entry and exit points while appealing to people not to visit the state now.
In its review meeting on Wednesday, the government discussed about the prevailing situation across the country and Assam where COVID-19 cases are surging and decided to strengthen the entry and exit points located at Byrnihat, Ratacherra and Bajengdoba.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that there have been instances when people have tried to illegally enter the state and hence the government has asked the Chief Secretary to intensify vigil.
Tynsong said that compared to the rest of the country, the state was doing well in dealing with the pandemic and the number of active cases has dropped to three.
He said that following this many from other states are trying to take shelter in the state. “We are not against people coming to the state, but as inter-state movement is restricted, we appeal to everyone not to come to Meghalaya for the time being,” Tynsong said.
The government has made it clear that those who try to enter the state unnecessarily would have to go back from the entry point itself. “We appeal to all concerned to avoid coming to Meghalaya as tourists, relatives and friends at this point of time,” Tynsong said.
Stating that the government has adequate manpower at the entry and exit points,he said that the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare department has held discussions with the para military and Central forces and they have been urged not to call any of their relatives to the state and cooperate with the government.
Asked how the government would regulate the entry of people as Meghalaya is a transit state, he said a strong mechanism has been put in place for the purpose.
“People who are going to Barak Valley will be checked at all the check points in all the four districts from Ri Bhoi till East Jaintia Hills. There is close coordination at every check point to ensure that there is a headcount of those travelling in vehicles passing through the state,” he said.
Earlier, he also informed that at least 17,000 migrants have moved out of the state while 18,020 citizens of Meghalaya who were stranded outside have returned even as 10,288 had registered with the government.
“The question of registration does not arise now as we are receiving everyone,” Tynsong said.
