James stresses on vax for all as COVID cases surge

SHILLONG, Jan 18: With Meghalaya recording a surge in the number of cases of COVID-19 — both of the Delta and Omicron variants — and the positivity rate showing an upward trend, Health Minister, James Sangma has stressed on the need to achieve 100 per cent vaccination at the earliest.
On Tuesday, the state reported a high of 275 cases which pushed the positivity rate to 7.35%.
Diverting a query on whether the Health department was in favour of imposing a fresh lockdown in view of the surge in cases, Sangma said it is important for people to go for vaccination.
“Attaining 100 per cent vaccination is the best way to counter the spread of COVID-19,” he asserted.
The Health minister also said that cases are expected to rise in Meghalaya as it is a general trend across the globe and Meghalaya is no exception. “We are looking to ensure that awareness is spread in the right manner to make people aware about COVID protocols,” he said.
As on Tuesday there are 1,318 active cases with East Khasi Hills district alone accounting for 991.
Two patients died while 162 people recovered on the day. The death toll stands at 1,492.