Shillong, August 30: In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of rigorous contact.
Also tracing, testing, quarantine, isolation and ensuring strict observance of protocols and advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 29th August, 2020.
Under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has promulgated night curfew in East Khasi Hills District with effect from 31st August, 2020 upto 7th September, 2020, only for timings falling between 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM each day.
The District Magistrate said that the order will not apply to Security Forces, Medical Teams on duty, Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Service, MeECL, NEEPCO and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI, PWD, PHE, Shillong Municipal Board, Postal Service, Telecom, Communications and IT Services, Press, Print and Electronic Media, Petrol Pumps including Indian Oil Corporation, essential services including Health Services, hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary clinics, labs, online/home food delivery.
However, home delivery of food shall be exempted only upto 10:00 PM. Authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, officials on duty, officers and staff of Corona Care Centres, Information & Public Relations Department and National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).
These services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail.
Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipments and shops for repair of trucks on highways are also exempted. However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.
Exemption granted to official and non official emergency/essential services, establishments and agencies will not extend to the declared containment areas. Curfew passes for timings falling between 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM with effect from 31st August, 2020 upto 7th September, 2020 can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in.
