Shillong, July 16: A high-level review meeting was held with the participation of the Government and Opposition leaders to discuss the prevailing COVID-19 situation and take stock of the preparedness. A detailed presentation was made by the Chief Secretary on the current COVID status in the State.
The presentation highlighted the summary of COVID cases as of 15 th July, 2020 and focussed particularly on the COVID management strategy. Updates were also given on the State’s approach towards tackling the cases of BSF and other armed forces.The actions of the Government were highlighted in the presentation made by the Government.
As of 15 th July, there are 297 active cases of which 222 (75%) were that of BSF and Armed forces. The number of cases was under control till June 30 when the active cases stood at 8. The spurt from July can be largely attributed to the rise in cases related to BSF, cases in NEIGRIHMS and the Greenwood wedding party.
There are 601 random RT-PCR samples were tested across the State and all came negative. 3. The details of other clusters were elaborated. 259 tests were conducted for the contacts relating to the wedding cluster, 60 for the NEIGRIHMS and 110 for the Khanapara cluster.
An updated status of health infrastructure was highlighted in the presentation. The State now had 3847 beds available. Adequate stock of health equipment is now available across the State – PPEs (2,56,379), 3 Ply Masks (6,80,000), N95 Masks (2,41,086), Ventilators (20) etc. A district wise break-up was highlighted.
The Government highlighted how the decentralized management system involving community capacity building helped the Government in controlling the situation. Support and cooperation of the community has been a key contributing factor in low infection rate.
There has been a constant and clear communication with the localities’ headman iii. There have been regular activities in sensitizing, creating awareness and providing key support to villages especially the elderly and individuals with comorbidities.
A notable development has been the constitution of Community COVID Management Committees (CCMC) and Behavioural Change Management Committees (BCMC) for inculcating behavioural change for living with COVID-19.
The Government has made arrangements for support and follow-up for individuals and families under quarantine. A total of 26,028 free provision kits were distributed till date for all individuals under mandatory home quarantine. A total of Rs 63.6 lakh has been released as expenditure to the Community Quarantine Centres at the rate of Rs 5000 per centre.
There is an instructions to increase this incentive to Rs 10,000 from the existing Rs 5,000 has been made by the Government on 15th July, 2020. 7. The State’s approach towards tackling the cases of BSF and other armed forces was presented in detail. 1,567 tests were conducted in the BSF cluster of which 223 have turned to be positive.
The key decisions based on the meetings held with the Armed Forces was informed: i. Umpling campus is declared a containment zone ii. Supply of essential commodities to the campus is being coordinated by the district administration iii. Internal medical committee withing BSF has been set up iv. Those who are to come after leave have been informed to stay back v. Those in transit are to follow State protocol henceforth.
The increase in testing capacity was elaborated. As of 15 th July, 2020, a total of 24,900 tests were conducted. From 4 tests a day in March, the capacity has increased to 390 tests per day now. Testing infrastructure is now available in 9 districts out of 11 Districts of the State. The State has a testing capacity of more than 1000 tests per day.
It is expected to touch about 1,300 tests by the end of July, 2020. 9. In terms of Public Distribution System, the PMGKAY has been extended from July 2020 to November 2020. Under ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT PACKAGE (ANBP), distribution of food grains has been extended until 31st August, 2020. 10. Many additional steps were undertaken for supporting various categories of citizens.
Monetary assistance is being provided to stranded people, organised building and construction worker, unorganised worker and to farmers under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and women bank account holders under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Under expanding credit to MSMEs/ Business, a top-up loan of 20% of the outstanding amount is being provided by banks to existing borrowers. There are 7,947 beneficiaries eligible under the scheme from SBI account holders of which the total eligible amount is Rs 204.91 crore. Rs 88.10 crore has been sanctioned for the 2198 beneficiaries.
Several suggestions were made by the members of the opposition and the Government welcomed many of the suggestions. Said Mr Conrad K Sangma Chief Minister and Mr Metbah Lyngdoh Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly
Others who has attended the all party meeting ar Deputy Speaker Mr. T D Shira , Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Prestone Tynsong , others minister include Mr. A L Hek , Mr. L. Rymbui, Mr. James Sangma and the MLA from the opposition are Mr. H M Shangphliang, Mr. Zenith Sangma, Smti. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Mr. Mayralborn Syiem and the officers include Mr. M S Rao, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya and Senior Officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Finance department and other key departments.
