Covid has so far claimed 110 lives in Meghalaya with 91 deaths in East Khasi Hills alone. This should send warning bells that Covid kills and that the protocols laid down by the state government ought to be strictly followed. But that is far being observed. Despite repeated calls to wear masks when out of the house and especially when in crowded areas such as markets etc., the public seem to have no developed a sort of apathy. Large sections are seen moving around either without masks or with them worn half way down the mouth around the chin area making a mockery of the real purpose of the mask. Every state has now developed its own strategy to make the citizenry comply with Covid19 protocols. In Delhi, mask violators are being put in jail for designated hours. Other states have other measures to ensure compliance. It’s only in Meghalaya and its capital city Shillong that there are appears to be no effort to enforce the protocols. Those manning sweetmeat shops including those that serve food are seen without masks. Some roadside vendors wear masks, others don’t while still others wear them the wrong way. Masking is one protocol which has been a proven deterrent to the Covid19 spread but this carelessness is bound to have dangerous impacts on the health scenario of the state with its fragile health care facilities.
What is also worrying is that those celebrating marriages and other ceremonies are not adhering to the protocols of inviting 50 people only so that there is enough space for social distancing. After the marriage incident at Greenwood resort Khanapara where several people contacted Covid people were careful about not organising weddings and if they did it was restricted to immediate family members but with time this protocol has been watered down and since there is no inspection as to how many guests are invited, people flouted the Government orders with impunity. The same is the case with bereaved families too. People crowd as they normally do and many don’t even wear masks, leave alone social distancing. In the beginning the Dorbar Shnong maintained some semblance of vigilance. Now even they are afflicted by Covid fatigue.
One reason why the Covid numbers in Meghalaya are relatively low is because testing is very low. No one is sure as to how many asymptomatic people are moving around and many without masks even as they spread the virus to the community. With time, people have become nonchalant but with the advent of winter, things could worsen here. The rest of the world has gone into second lockdowns. India and least of all Meghalaya cannot afford this. The only way to stop the spread of Covid is for Government to enforce strict Covid protocols which includes heavy fines.
