SHILLONG, April 19: The rapid surge in COVID cases, from a mere 2 last month to over 700 active cases now is largely being attributed to lax system at the facilitation centre at Umling. In recent weeks many people have returned to the state while many people manage to sneak into the state circumventing the mandatory tests in the entry points.
In endorsement, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has assured of taking more effective steps to intensify the checking to ensure that people without mandatory tests do not succeed in entering the state.
Responding to a query from The Shillong Times about whether the government would intensify checking in the entry points, Sangma said that the government has put up the entire system and yet there will be some people who try to break the rules.
In this context he sought the cooperation of the Rangbah Shnongs and other agencies to inform the government about any individual who enters the state without following necessary protocols.
The statement of the chief minister assumes significance in view of the fact that some officials of the Health department had asked officials manning the Umling entry point to intensify the screening of inbound residents and visitors based on the observation that there is some laxity at the Umling gate.
Reports say that people often board local vehicles from Byrnihat to Nongpoh and beyond to avoid checking at the Umling gate.
In addition, unconfirmed reports also say that the people manning the entry gate never check private vehicles registered in the state and many a time, people coming from outside give the slip to the necessary test as the private vehicles bearing Meghalaya registration are seldom stopped at the entry gate.
Recently, even the KSU had caught some labourers who managed to enter the state without any documentation or necessary tests.
CONCERN OVER LOW RATE OF VACCINATION
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo has expressed concern that citizens were reluctant to take the COVID-19 vaccine despite a sharp spike in cases, particularly in the district.
“The only way forward to fight against the virus is through vaccination. Therefore, it is important for the citizens to come forward for vaccination,” Laloo said after the meeting with church leaders and representative of various Dorbar Shnong here on Monday.
Reiterating that people above 45 years of age should get themselves vaccinated, the DC lamented that the percentage of people coming forward to take the vaccine was dismal.
“People fear that the vaccine might affect their health and we need to create awareness that the vaccine does not have any side effects,” she said, while requesting the Church leaders to assist the administration in spreading awareness in this regard.
“We need to vaccinate as many people since we expect the second wave to peak by May,” the DC said.
Laloo also informed that the district administration was exploring the idea of conducting vaccination drives at the locality level in coordination with the respective health centres.
The DC was upset the despite a rise in the number of cases, people were not following the health protocols.
Terming the next two weeks as crucial, Laloo said, “We need to keep track of all the returnees. All returnees should undergo RTPCR test and those who are awaiting their report should not venture out of their homes until they are tested negative.”
