East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh has questioned the logic of the government’s Covid protocols, which allow for tourists from outside the State to visit Meghalaya from December 21 but at the same time, ban Christmas caroling to stop the spread of the pandemic.
“Where is the logic here?” Lyngdoh queried while speaking to Highland Post.
“You will allow tourists to come to the State despite the greater risk but you have barred Christmas carols in the State. And what about the notification issued that curfew will be lifted on Christmas Eve, Christmas day and New Year’s Eve?” she pointed out.
Roving carolers are not permitted in the State, according to a recent government notification but signing carols in fixed locations, like church premises, is still allowed.
Lyngdoh also slammed the rule that allows visitors to the State who are here for a very short time not to have to take a Covid test prior to arrival.
“How can you say that tourists from outside coming for only one day need not go through the test? I believe that the RT-PCR tests should be mandatory for anyone coming to the State. No matter how many hours they come for and without certification they should not be allowed to enter hotels or home stays, etc,” she stated.
The Congress MLA worried that such “illogical” notifications would lead to the public ignoring all Covid protocols.
She also lamented that any time a Congress politician comments on any issue, members of the government attack the opposition for playing politics.
“We have only one thing to say and that is that whatever the government does, it should not jeopardise the safety of the public,” Lyngdoh maintained, while adding that the State should continue to pay for Covid tests for any person wanting one.
