Shillong doctor becomes Meghalaya's first COVID-19 patient; authorities impose curfew

A doctor from Shillong's Bethany Hospital has become first person to test positive for vel Coronavirus in Meghalaya, prompting authorities to initiate contact tracing protocol. Following this,  District Magistrate has imposed a curfew for 48-hrs in Shillong Agglomeration area starting from 6 am Tuesday with exemption of essential services. 

A press release from office of state Chief Secretary urged locals to cooperate with prohibitory orders and refrain from coming out of house to enable Health department officials to do contact tracing and take appropriate remedial measures.

"All residents of State who may have visited Bethany Hospital, ngrim Hills, Shillong, on or after 22nd March 2020, are requested to immediately register mselves by calling 108 or visiting following link www.meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/login.htm," release said. 

government also asked citizens to wear masks and follow hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing. 

READ | Coronavirus Outbreak: Meghalaya Extends Lockdown Till April 30

CM says situation closely monitored

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma urged citizens t to panic and assured that State is closely monitoring situation and is prepared to deal with it. He also informed that State Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to review situation.

READ | COVID-19: Delhi Reports 356 New Cases; Over 90% Of Which Are Markaz Attendees

Earlier in day, government decided to extend ongoing lockdown till April 30, as part of its measures to deal with coronavirus outbreak. decision was taken by state cabinet at a meeting chaired by Sangma.

Coronavirus crisis

India entered its twentieth day of three-week shutdown which aims to curb spread of COVID-19. So far, country has reported 9352 cases of COVID-19 and has seen a sharpening of infection curve in recent weeks. 980 patients have recovered from disease while 324 people have died.

READ | COVID-19: 2 Test Positive In Nashik, Count Reaches 35

READ | Maharashtra: Pune Man Fined For t Wearing Mask, Roaming Outside Amid COVID Lockdown