Govt not to impose lockdown: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 5, 2020

Admitting that the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases is quite alarming, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong however said the question of imposing lockdown in the state does not arise.

“The question of lockdown does not arise. Yes, the spike is very alarming and I would like to request all citizens of the state to take care of themselves as that is the best medicine for everyone,” Tynsong told reporters after chairing a review meeting on Monday.

The state has detected a total of 6,767 COVID-19 out of which 2,217 are active cases, 4,491 recovered and 59 deaths. The highest single-day spike of over 400 cases was recorded on Saturday last.

Tynsong also reminded that the fight against pandemic is not of the government alone. Asked if it has become difficult for the government to do contact tracing in view of the increasing number of cases, the deputy chief minister said, “No, in fact contact tracing is still being done. We are handling the situation well…”

He said that the government is also encouraging home isolation of positive and high risk cases.

“This is because if you isolate yourself in the corona care centre or quarantine centre, it will affect your mindset. See mentally you get disturbed when you have to stay all alone in a small room which is just like a jail,” Tynsong said while adding that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is also encouraging home quarantine.

On the opposition by the traditional dorbar shnong, the deputy chief minister however said that the government would again sit down with the headmen to take their views and opinion on the matter.

“We have asked the respective deputy commissioners to be in touch with rangbah shnong and talk and hear their views as ultimately we have to go for the best option as government along with stakeholders we are together,” he said.