Editor,
I was a victim of this virus with no symptoms at all till the time of recovery. I write this to express my personal opinion and with mixed emotions towards the State Health Department. It is not my intention to go against the guidelines given by the Department but to mention a few paradoxes vis-avis this virus. Till date I am in a dilemma as to how I contacted the virus when I have not left my compound from the beginning of the lockdown. Health-wise, I am a healthy person with no experience of visiting a hospital on account of any sickness till date. I was shocked when the Health Department declared me covid-positive although I showed no symptoms before and even after being tested. Surprisingly, I was declared covid-negative without being tested for the second time and with the sentence in the certificate which states ‘as of today the ____ he/she is symptom free.’ Is this not a paradox when I never had any symptoms before and after being tested?
Now shops are asked to follow the Government guidelines where all customers should wear masks. In fact, all shops have a little placard with the words, ‘no mask no service.’ However, shopkeepers accept money (notes) from the customers. Is this also not a paradox, because according to the health experts, the virus can also be transferred from person to person through materials? We see beggars at Police Bazaar begging every day without masks yet no virus has touched them. Moreover, government officials have also done nothing to make them aware of covid19. Perhaps, the virus attacks only those who strictly follow the SOP of the State Health Department, including those who have not left their homes at all!
Ironically people were asked to strictly follow the SOP of the Government for Sunday service in churches, but the same is not practised in the markets or public places. I am shocked at the manner in which covid19 positive cases have increased in the state after the decision for home quarantine was taken. In the beginning when the State Government was looking after those testing positive the cases were relatively less in Meghalaya. So is there any hidden agenda behind this pandemic? Earlier, to declare that a person has recovered from covid19 two tests are conducted after 24 hours, but at present a person is simply released from home quarantine or quarantine centres after several days without testing. So is the virus different from the earlier virus that a person is declared recovered without a second or third test? Earlier there were adequate funds to treat each person who is covid19 positive, but when home quarantine started the Government hardly reached out to help those people infected particularly in the rural areas.
‘It is unfortunate that the Health Department regarded in high esteem by people for its service to humanity does not seem to be on the right track as far as handling covid19 is concerned.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Delay in publishing results
Editor,
Through this letter, I would like to draw the attention of our newly appointed Deputy Commissioner cum Chairperson, District Selection Committee, East Khasi Hills to the plight of thousands of candidates who applied for the 118 sanctioned posts of Lower Division Assistant (LDA) conducted by District Selection Committee, East Khasi Hills District. As per available records, the Screening Test for the aforementioned posts was held on December 15, 2018. Subsequently, the DSC also conducted the Typing Test as part of the recruitment process on the February 8, 2020. All that is left now is for final tabulation of marks and declaration of results.
It is well a known fact that many unemployed youths are disgruntled at the slow pace at which government recruitments are taking place, for these are sensitive matters that affect the future and livelihoods of many. DSC should not play with the youth’s future in this manner. Admittedly, the covid19 pandemic may have played a role in the delay of the declaration of results, but we have now reached a point where the pandemic can no longer be cited as an excuse. Once again the DC is requested to address this issue expeditiously. Since our current DC is known for being a hard worker and someone who is praised throughout bureaucratic circles and celebrated in the public circle for her dedication and transparency, we hope she will not let us down.
Yours etc.,
Jeremiah Syngkli,
Via email