TURA/SHILLONG, July 12: Former Congress Minister and Rangsakona MLA, Zenith M Sangma on Monday urged the people of his constituency not to fear the COVID-19 vaccination and to take it willingly to safeguard their near and dear ones as well as the general citizens from the infectious virus.
Speaking at the awareness programme on COVID-19-cum-vaccination drive on the day at two separate locations under Rerapara Community and Rural Development Block in South West Garo Hills, Zenith urged them not to fall prey to the rumours being spread on social media platforms or elsewhere stating that vaccination is the only way to keep oneself safe.
During the programme, the MLA explained at length and shed light on the disease, testing and vaccination in such a way that the people would understand and go for vaccination voluntarily rather than coercion.
The programme was organised at Rangsakona children’s park and Watregre playground under the initiative of the Rerapara Block Development Officer Raymond ZD Shira along with the district’s medical team.
Sector Executive Magistrates — Sanyang Sangma, Horticulture Development Officer, Tusengbirth Marak, Veterinary Officer, Medical Officer of Rangsakona PHC and team of health workers were among those present at the programme.
Two more succumb to COVID in Garo Hills
The new week has kicked in bringing more bad news for Garo Hills on the COVID-19 front with two patients battling the virus passing away in Tura Civil Hospital during the wee hours of Monday.
Monday’s COVID-19 fatalities have pushed the total number of deceased from the disease to seven victims in 12 days.
To make matters worse, almost all the victims who passed away were not vaccinated against COVID-19.
A 30-year-old woman from Nanchapara in Gasuapara region of South Garo Hills, admitted to the COVID ward at Tura Civil Hospital two days ago, lost her life fighting the virus on Monday morning.
On the same morning, another patient admitted at the same hospital, a 50-year-old man from Chibra Agal village of Rongram, also died from the disease. He had tested positive for COVID on July 6 and was subsequently hospitalised.
This is the second time in less than three days that more than one person succumbed to the virus in Garo Hills.
Salons, parlours to open four days a week in WGH
Salons and beauty parlours in West Garo Hills have been allowed to open from Tuesday onwards this week subject to strict compliance with certain health protocols.
Issuing a fresh order in this regard in pursuance of the government order, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh informed that the said shops would remain open four days a week from Tuesday to Friday between 7 am and 4 pm.
However, all workers having Covid-19 symptoms like fever, cough etc have been advised to remain home and get tested while both workers and customers are to wear N-95 or 3 play surgical masks with cloth mask without removing them at all times.
All other Covid-19 guidelines like hand washing, sanitising are to be maintained by the shop owners including displaying the vaccination status of all staff and health advisories in the local language.
HYC seeks spl COVID relief for Dorbars
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has moved the state government seeking special financial assistance for various Dorbar Shnong, which have reached out to help people affected by COVID-19 pandemic, without the intervention or recognition of as well as financial help from the government.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, the group sought that the special assistance be released through the respective autonomous district councils to the eligible Dorbars as a recognition and reward for working for the welfare of people in the grassroots level.
“It is a fact that had the different Dorbar Shnong not taken the responsibility and the decision to work together with the government in this fight against COVID-19 by performing different activities in their respective jurisdictions, the state government would have been in a very difficult situation to contain the spread of the virus and hence, they should be appreciated for the contributions and cooperation,” Roy Kupar Synrem, general Secretary of the HYC, said.
