SHILLONG: Amid the Coronavirus scare globally, it was work as usual for a herdman tending cows and goats at 7th Mile, a picturesque location. “Whatever it is, it is work as usual for us”, he said.
A visit to Mylliem which is usually a bustling place known for delicacies such as doh thad (dried meat- beef or pork), doh snam (blood sausages) and other Khasi traditional food items, wore a deserted look on Sunday.
On speaking to a lady, it is learnt that only shops selling essential commodities are allowed to be open as per the direction of the Dorbar shnong keeping in mind the time.
“Only shops selling essential items are open and nothing else. Since today (Sunday) is close, it might be open tomorrow but the Dorbar Shnong is very particular with the time.
Sometimes, the shops are asked to open from 9 am to 12 noon or 10 am to 5 pm depending on the situation”, she said.
Asked about social distancing, she said, “Very few people come out but then one person is allowed to enter the shop and stand in line and not crowd the shop”.
Asked, she said the local residents have been informed of a khniang jingpang (virus) and are told to be aware of it as the residents were meticulously told to wash their hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of the virus.
She said that there was no distribution of sanitizer.
Further, near Umtyngar, a lady sold vegetables and due to the prevailing situation, 2-3 customers were present at the shop. One tray of eggs cost Rs 200, green long beans Rs 80 per kg, tomatoes were Rs 60 per kg, Rs 120 per kg for cauliflower.
