SHILLONG, Jan 10: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday warned that the government will be compelled to impose lockdown in the state if the COVID-19 situation worsens.
“If the situation goes beyond a certain point, then obviously we will be forced to make a decision. As far as it stands now, we are not thinking of imposing a lockdown since we want to ensure that livelihood (of people) is not affected,” Sangma told reporters.
He said it is for this reason that the government is taking all precautionary measures and requesting people to be careful.
Pointing out the surge in COVID-19 cases, he said it is important for the state to keep a close watch on the rate of hospitalisation of people, including admission in ICUs.
The hospitalisation rate during the current wave is not as high as it was in the last wave, he observed.
“Therefore, we strongly feel that the need of the hour is to really focus on the hospitalisation rate. As of now, things are very much under control in Meghalaya and we have enough beds available,” the CM said.
He urged people to get vaccinated and follow the protocols, particularly the wearing of masks. According to him, this is a very critical time as the virus is spreading.
The Assam government has virtually imposed a “curfew” on the non-vaccinated people by barring their entry into hotels, restaurants, government offices, shopping malls, multiplexes etc. In this regard, asked if the Meghalaya government will replicate the Assam measures, Sangma said his government has not yet taken any decision on this.
He said the government is working towards creating awareness on the booster dose that has just started.
He said it is encouraging to see a lot of people coming forward for the booster dose for people above 60 years and above and frontline workers.
“The positive side is that the state has crossed the 70% vaccination mark,” Sangma said, adding the government hopes it can ramp up the vaccination drive further.