News Desk: Following the increase in COVID-19 cases, the Meghalaya government on Wednesday decided to close all its border entry points from July 21 to July 31. The decision to seal off the border entry points is taken to keep a check on the spread of the virus.
Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma issued an order which stated that the Meghalaya government has decided to close all the entry points at Bajengdoba, Byrnihat, Hallidayganj, Mirjumla, Ratacherra, and Tikrikilla.
Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong also informed that all the entry points will remain open only for emergency services, essential commodities, and transit movement of vehicles coming or going to Assam.
Meghalaya government also banned wedding receptions in two districts. Deputy CM, Tynsong declared that no wedding reception can be held in East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts. However, he also said that solemnization of marriages can take place with strict adherence to safety measures and protocols.
In a press meet, Deputy CM stated that “With effect from today, we have decided to prohibit the holding of wedding receptions whether in private residences or other locations within the East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts. This applies to other receptions as well.” He also informed that while many have applied for permission to hold wedding receptions, the government had to take strict and extreme steps due to the surge in cases in East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts.
Tynsong informed that from midnight of July 21 to July 31 midnight, all the six entry points into the states would be closed. He said that the decision to close down the entry points is to unburden district administration officials, health care personnel, and frontline workers.