SHILLONG/TURA/KHLIEHRIAT/MAWKYRWAT/ JOWAI, May 25: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, on Tuesday ordered closure of the markets at Smit and Lad Smit until further orders.
The decision was taken after receiving reports from the Incident Commander-cum-Block Development Officer, Mawryngkneng C&RD Block, which mentioned that the traders/vendors and public at the said market areas were not following COVID-19 protocols despite regulations on opening of shops.
The market was seen to be crowded and people were caught flouting COVID norms such as wearing of masks and ensuring physical distancing.
The Mawryngkneng BDO has called for a meeting with the Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Sordars, Community COVID-19 Management Teams and market committee before reopening the markets to ensure that protocols are strictly followed by all concerned.
War Rooms in SWGH
War Rooms with dedicated contact numbers have been set up in each of the C&RD Blocks in South West Garo Hills in order to ensure quick and timely response to any distress call or requirement of the public relating to COVID-19, informed the Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Ch. Ramakrishna.
The general public needing assistance related with COVID such as reporting sickness or symptoms and assistance on relief matter can contact the Block War Rooms through the helpline numbers.
The War Room numbers are: 9362281303/9362281302 (Rerapara Block), 6009575313 (Betasing Block), 9362282730/9362282736 (Zikzak Block), 6009919788/6009945433/600993009 (District COVID Control Room) and 7628802948 (Supply Helpline).
Each War Room will be headed by respective BDOs & Executive Magistrates, whereas District COVID Control Room will be led by Nodal Officer & Medical Officer concerned. Sub-Inspector, Supply, will take control of Supply Helpline, the DC said.
Khliehriat Block War Control Room
Block Development Officer of Khliehriat C&RD Block in East Jaintia Hills on Tuesday informed that the Block War Control Room has been formed to tackle the present Covid-19 pandemic situation.
The objectives of the Block War Control Room is to mobilise local administrative body, SHGs, etc, and educate all households and communities on three strategies — facilitate, formulate and implement plan, the BDO said in a statement, adding that it will identify emergency vehicles to serve every village and mobilise private vehicles, as and when needed.
Villages will be assisted by the War Room in identifying and setting up of village isolation centres and registration of individuals for vaccination. The War Room team will also coordinate with the Health department to support actions under COVID action and the Rescue Mission.
The helpline to connect with Block War Control Room is 9863651796. Other officials who can be contacted in case of emergencies include Dr. Tammiyaki Shylla, Block Development Officer, Khliehriat C&RBlock (7005877634), Dr CS Bareh, Block Medical Officer (9936310417), C Pale, CDPO (8259072885), L Bamon, Block Programme Manager (Health) (9366394967), F Hujon, Block Programme Manager (MSRLS) (7638929699), M Challam, APO (MGNREGA) (6009461539), S Bareh, APO (CLI&BP) (7005731537), and D Laloo, MIS (MGNREGA) (6009695768).
Containment area in SWKH
South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor, on Tuesday declared the entire Mawlangwir village as a containment area.
The decision was taken after active cases of COVID-19 in the village surged to 82 in the past eight days.
The DC also informed that the Community COVID Management Committees will ensure zero movement in the village till the containment order is lifted.
However, there will be no disruption of movement along the PWD road going through Mawlangwir village.
Essential in WJH shops to open on May 28
In order to enable local residents to purchase essential commodities during the ongoing curfew, the District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills has allowed identified wholesale shops along with retail shops within the localities, identified by the respective Headmen to open on Friday (May 28) from 9 am to 2 pm.
However, all other marketplaces will remain closed. The sale of any kind of items on footpaths or roads is prohibited. Inter-village and inter-locality movement will also remain barred.
The District Magistrate also encouraged the Headmen to facilitate home delivery by the retail shops from within the village/localities.