SHILLONG [Nov 10]: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, on Tuesday, launched the Meghalaya COVID Helpline in a virtual programme. The helpline can be reached by calling the toll-free number 14410.
The facility is state’s first cloud-based telephony solution for helpline operations to provide a one-stop source for COVID-related information and queries, a statement issued here said.
This is a one-of-a-kind intervention that comes with zero-infrastructure cost while filling the state’s unemployment gap at the same time, it added.
The helpline is available in English, Hindi, Khasi, Garo and Pnar, and operates between Monday and Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm.
Callers reach out to report symptoms, enquire about entry and exit protocols, or address general COVID-related information and quarantine/isolation protocols, the statement said. A dedicated team of psychological counselors have been put on standby besides doctors in every district for “tele-counselling” citizens exhibiting symptoms and in need of medical advice. The idea has been made possible because of the collaboration between the state government and key national partners including Bengaluru-based Project StepOne. BSNL has also been initiated to provide a national toll-free backbone which enables the helpline. Team Avenues is playing an active role by liaising between stakeholders to integrate the solution across the districts through their dedicated team of helpline operators who will provide support to the citizens in these challenging times, the statement informed.
NEPA contained
After detecting COVID-19 positive cases, the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, on Tuesday, declared the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) Umsawkhwan, Ri Bhoi, as a containment zone till November 15.
