SHILLONG, Jan 5: In spite of the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the detection of the Omicron variant in the state, the Meghalaya Government has asserted that there will be no
immediate lockdown in the state. Lockdown will be a ‘last resort’ to tackle COVID-19, it added.
However, as a precautionary measure the state government has decided to extend the winter vacation for schools and colleges till January 24.
Downplaying the fear of an impending lockdown, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday said the question of lockdown does not arise since people have suffered immensely since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
Asserting that there is no problem with regard to accommodation of patients and availability of oxygen and ventilators in the state, Tynsong urged all citizens including minors above 15 years of age to go for vaccination. The third wave has already started and people will be safe only with vaccines, he said.
Meanwhile, taking into view the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Meghalaya and the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the virus, the government extended the winter vacation till January 24.
Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday said the ongoing winter vacation was supposed to be over on January 10 but it has been extended till January 24.
The government had closed down schools and colleges for the winter vacation in the third week of December 2021.
Asked if the government would order closure of schools and colleges since cases are surging, he said the department has issued a notification and the respective school managing committees and the district administration will take action as deemed fit. Asked if any exercise is being undertaken for the safety of the students, he said, “It seems COVID is far ahead of us and whatever we plan, it always goes ahead. In such a situation nobody can help us but ourselves.”
Stating that 15-18 years is a critical age group for the student community, he urged all the students and their parents to come forward for vaccination.
The minister also asserted that the government is alive to the situation and would do everything to ensure the safety and security of the students.
“We have to take the decision at the micro level and we seek the cooperation of the parents, students and the community as a whole,” he added.
Meanwhile, officials from the Education department said that the government is examining whether schools and colleges in the state need to be shut down again and a decision will be taken shortly.