NONGSTOIN/MAWKYRWAT/TURA, June 7: Public numbering thousands thronged Nongstoin town on Monday during the 12-hour window of relaxation from curbs in West Khasi Hills.
It may be recalled that the district administration had earlier announced lifting of COVID restrictions in the district from 5 AM till 5 PM of Monday, which would again come into effect from 5 PM of Monday till 5 AM of June 14.
Apart from violating physical distancing norms, people were seen making beelines outside ATM booths as well as banks in the town.
Moreover, the general public were also seen violating COVID protocols while purchasing essential commodities. Contrary to today, the behaviour of the people during the last few weeks of strict lockdown had been sober as there was no mad rush to go to banks, ATM booths or even essential shops.
Residents of Nongstoin spoke to The Shillong Times stating that the public was caught off guard when the relaxation and the ensuing lockdown till June 14 was announced by the district administration which led to panic.
They said for over a month now the district administration had been on the right track in handling the pandemic situation by implementing the odd-even system for transport as well as shops and the imposition of weekend lockdown in the district. But by enforcing the lockdown till June 14 and announcing relaxation for 12 hours, it paved way for people to panic and violate all health protocols, they added.
Curbs on intra-district movement of vehicles
West Garo Hills district administration on Monday announced restrictions on plying of intra-district public transport.
As per the order issued in this regard, local auto-rickshaws have been allowed to ply with limited number of passengers on odd-even basis.
Private vehicles have also been allowed to ply, only during emergency.
EGH extends lockdown
East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Tembe has extended the lockdown in the district.
Restrictions have been placed on the movement of people and vehicles, opening of shops and other activities.
The Williamnagar Main Market and Rongjeng Market have been allowed to open from 8 am to 1 pm while shops in other parts of the district have been allowed to function till 4 pm.
Containment order lifted
Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills, Caramai Kharkongor, on Monday lifted the containment order from Nongkulang village.
In an order, the DC said that the decision was taken after assessing contact tracing status and test reports of high-risk contacts in the village.
Lafarge donates health equipment to Sohra corona care centre
Continuing its initiative of lending a helping hand to people in the fight against COVID-19, the Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited (LUMPL) donated 100 numbers of full-body PPE kits, 350 N95 masks, 200 gloves and two disinfectant sprayers to the community corona care centre being set up in Sohra.
The LUMPL chipped in with the healthcare equipment to enable the sub-divisional administration in combating the steep rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Sohra.
Receiving the materials from the representatives of LUMPL, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Sohra, Alexander S Mukhim, thanked the corporation for their support, while adding that their contribution will go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of people.
Earlier, it had donated oxygen cylinders to Shella Primary Health Centre and Nongtrai Dispensary.
Over 500 families in Nongthymmai receive aid
On the other hand, UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh said that the Community Crisis Management Team has been able to reach out to over 500 families in Nongthymmai.
“We have reached out to more than 500 families in 17 localities in Nongthymmai through Community Crisis Management Team. It is by the people and for the people,” said Mawthoh, who headed the exercise.
Refusing to comment if the state government has been able to reach out to the downtrodden, he said, “In times of crisis, it is the community who are the first responders to reach out to those in distress and provide relief in whatever capacity that they can.”
Stating that little drops of generosity can be a big relief to the impoverished and downtrodden, Mawthoh said the drive will continue.
Raincoats, face shields, face masks, rations to health workers and frontliners, including essentials to the needy were distributed by the Community Crisis Management Team.
