Partial lockdown kicks off in Shillong, 3 other places, health experts stress on vaccination to end pandemic 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 1, 2021

Medical experts in the state on Saturday emphasized the importance of vaccination in order to bring an end to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This was stated during an interactive session convened by the health department with the traditional heads at the state convention centre in Shillong.

The ten-day containment for Shillong urban agglomeration, Jowai, Tura and Ri Bhoi started on Saturday and will continue till May 10, with an aim to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in the state.

Roads in Shillong city wore a deserted look as less vehicles were seen plying. Educational institutions and non-essential shops and services were asked to shut down during the containment period.

“Vaccination will bring an end to the pandemic,” Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War said during the interactive session.

He also added that the only way to prevent a surge in the number of cases is for people to strictly follow protocols issued by the health department from time to time.  

Dr War also expressed hope that the health department will be able to flatten the curve during the containment period.

“However, if the cases are not reduced during this period, we may be compelled to take further strict restrictions to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.

Dr War said that the health department is trying to overcome challenges that have been identified.

The health experts also informed that vaccination for the age group of 18 to 44 could not be started due to non availability of vaccines.

“We have placed our order with the Serum Institute in Pune and we have got the communication that the vaccines will be arriving in four weeks time,” Dr. VJ Laloo, Specialist in Community Medicines said.

She said the department will inform the public as and when the vaccines arrived in the state.  According to her, online registration for the same has already started from April 28.

She further informed that the ongoing vaccination drive for health workers, frontline workers and people who are 45 years and above will continue.

To a query, the doctor said the Government of India does not have any vaccine for children at the moment.

“I believe we do not have any studies or any vaccine which have been recommended for children as of now. So when those are available I’m sure that the Government of India will allow the children to get vaccinated,” she stated.