Meghalaya govts shuts schools, colleges till March 31 over coronavirus

Meghalaya government has ordered shutdown of schools and colleges and cancellation or postponement of major sports events till March 31 to avoid mass garings in view of vel coronavirus outbreak, a senior minister said.

order will be effective from Tuesday, he said.

Health Minister A L Hek me anuncement in a suo-motu statement in Assembly during Budget Session on Monday.

"All educational institutions within state are to remain closed except for holding of examinations," Hek said.

Mentioning that decision was taken considering confirmed infection cases grually rising in country, health minister said, enforcing social distancing was a must to reduce virus transmission.

number of vel coronavirus cases in country rose to 110 on Sunday, Union Health Ministry h said.

People have been asked t to visit places with high footfall such as cinemas, gymnasiums, swimming pools and avoid n-essential travel during period, he said.

Organisers of fairs and festivals have been vised to postpone or cancel events, minister said.

Companies or offices with work from home option may permit employees to do so, he said.

state government has also asked people to t visit tourist spots, and maintain hand hygiene in places of work and worship.

Representative Im