SHILLONG, May 11: The Health department has begun conducting random tests in clusters which have reported large number of positive cases, informed Director of Health Services (MI), Dr Aman War, on Tuesday.
“We have taken the decision to have a better understanding on the number of positive cases in the various clusters,” War said.
In these lines, mass testing using Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) method was conducted in some ‘highly infectious’ zones of Shillong and other areas in East Khasi Hills on Tuesday in the wake of these pockets being considered as areas of high concentration of COVID-19 deaths.
Areas where the testing was conducted are Mawlynrei Dongshyiap, Nongmynsong Lumshyiap, Laitmynsaw, Hynniew Mer, Nongkseh and Madanrting in East Khasi Hills.
Speaking on the matter, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, said, “This is for quick and early detection of positive cases in highly infectious zones so as to understand the scale of the spread and for better monitoring of positive persons, especially high-risk and elderly.”
“Almost 50 per cent of cases reported in the last week are of high-risk contacts, who are mostly family members, co-workers, neighbours and other known persons, of positive cases. Hence, care should be taken at all times, even in homes or community spaces. Take all precautions to not to mingle with others unless absolutely necessary,” Isawanda Laloo added.
Religious bodies to decide on helping govt in crisis
In the midst of spiraling COVID-19 cases in the state and when all assistance to tide over the present crisis is welcome, parishes and other faith-based institutions are now to decide on their individual capacities whether or not to allow respective premises to be used for COVID-related activities.
The Shillong Archdiocese has left it to them to take a call on the matter.
Fr. Richard Majaw of Shillong Archdiocese said that the situation is different this time and hence all parishes and institutions have been empowered to take decisions on their own.
“There are situations where we can easily allow the premises to be used for COVID-related activities but it is difficult when it comes to some places,” he said while informing that a circular has already been issued to all the parishes in Shillong.
Under Shillong Archdiocese, there are around 35 parishes and during the first wave of COVID-19 last year, many churches had come forward to help the government by allowing their premises to be used for treating patients.
Closure of liquor stores till May 17
The East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (Excise) has extended the closure of all bonded warehouses, IMFL off shops, bars, hotels, clubs, canteens and outstills under Shillong agglomeration till May 17.
According to a statement, home delivery of liquors, however, will be allowed by the IMFL ‘OFF’ licensees possessing home delivery license as well as valid passes issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Excise), East Khasi Hills.
According to the directive, all COVID-19 protocols will have to be conformed to during the delivery of orders.
COVID-19-appropriate behavior at VEC-level
In an attempt to contain COVID-19 spread, particularly in rural areas, the Mission Director of State Rural Employment Society, has directed all field officials including APOs, Technical Assistants and Gram Sevak to disseminate awareness among VECs about the importance of wearing face mask properly and maintaining social distancing at all times while visiting the VECs for day-to-day works.
They have also been asked to mobilise and facilitate all job card holders who are above 45 years of age for vaccination.
