The COVID-19 virus has affected 13,961 people in the whole State within a span of 10 months of whom 148 have lost their lives. In East Khasi Hills, 8676 people have been affected and 122 have succumbed to the virus.The Pandemic continues worldwide with new variants of the virus causing COVID-19 circulating globally. Many of us have learned to cope with it and follow all the preventive protocols. However, it has been observed that many have become complacent or are no longer adhering to the basic cardinal principles for protection against the virus.

The new United Kingdom, Brazilian and South African COVID-19 strains recently detected in the country are highly transmissible and is a cause for concern. The Government of India has rolled out COVID vaccination in a phased manner for individual protection of the various susceptible categories. However, until 90% of the population is immunised, herd immunity of the community cannot be attained. Hence, we should all take precautions and continue to follow the COVID appropriate behaviours at all times, when we are in public places in order to prevent a rise in cases in our state.

The general public are therefore instructed  to follow all the protocols laid down by the Health Department. Heads of various organisations, School and College Principals, Headmen etc are requested to ensure compliance to the COVID appropriate behaviours within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Violators are liable to be fined under the Disaster Management Act and the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, Covid-19 Regulations 2020. Any suspect cases may be required to get tested at the nearest COVID testing centre. The general public are therefore cautioned against any laxity which could lead to a spike in cases.