Shillong, April 25: A high-level meeting was held with the participation of the Government let by the Chief Minister Mr Conrad K Sangma and from the opposition let by Dr Mukul Sangma opposition leaders to discuss the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the MLA Hostel in the present of the Speaker Mr Metbah Lyngdoh.
In the meeting a detailed presentation was made by the Chief Secretary detailing the steps taken by the Government relating to management of the COVID-19 situation, movement of essential commodities, distribution of food grains, relief measures and other steps being taken by the Government.
In the meeting from the state Government has highlighted the action taken, the presentation was made by the Chief Secretary, in the presentation has pointed out that it will increase in testing capacity since the detection of the first COVID-19 positive case. The capacity of RT-PCR testing is being increased from 90 to 370 by mid-May. 50,000 antibody RD kits will be available by first week of May.
Health Systems are being constantly strengthened- Adequate stocks of health equipment are now available across the State- PPE (64,458), N95 masks (80,190), BiPAP Machines (60) and 3-ply masks (5,10,000).
The quarantine, Corona-Care and Isolation Centres have been set up across the State to meet any surge situation. Doctors and other Frontline medical staff including ambulance drivers and housekeeping staff are also being well taken care of. Surveillance and monitoring of all the registered 5200 individuals is being by the Government. The framework for home quarantine and testing post 28th April was discussed in detail.
On food grain distribution April quota for the 21, 45, 145 NFSA beneficiaries and 7, 72, 694 non- NFSA beneficiaries has been completed. Distribution of May quota is under way. Distribution of Rs. 3000 one-time financial assistance for 10,287 Meghalaya Citizens stranded outside is underway.
The benefits are also being provided under the various other schemes- PM KISAN 87, 187 farmers at the rate of Rs. 2000), PM Jan Dhan Yojana 3,01,428 women account holders at the rate of Rs. 1,500, Building and Construction Workers 17,649 workers at the rate of Rs.Rs. 3000 and Assistance for unorganized Sector 2,02,281 workers at the rate of Rs. 2,100 applicants being verified and the Provision Kits for quarantined Households 5200 Households.
During the meeting several suggestions were made by the members of the opposition and the Government welcomed many of the suggestions. The meeting decided to jointly urge the Citizens of the State to provide sensitive support to all COVID-19 positive individuals and those probable cases and not to stigmatize any individual as the virus can affect any person.
Not to be fearful of the virus and to follow the standard protocols relating to personal hygiene, hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing. As per existing data, most people affected by the virus will not need hospitalization and will recover by being under home isolation. The Government is fully prepared to deal with all cases that may need hospitalization. Be respectful and kind to all the health care staff and other frontline workers.
The joint press statement was sign by the Chief Minister Mr Conrad K Sangma, Mr Metbah Lyngdoh Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and the leader of the opposition Dr Mukul Sangma others member who attended the meeting are the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Prestone Tynsong, Mr AL Hek, Mr Lahkem Rymbui from the Government.
From the Opposition Mr Charles Pyngrope, Mr Zenith Sangma, Smti Ampareen Lyngdoh, Mr M Syiem, the Chief Secretary 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.
