In light of the detection of a new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19, the Health Department today ordered all those who have a history of travelling to or transiting through the United Kingdom in the past four months to report to the coronavirus surveillance units and undergo RT-PCR tests.
The new variant is believed to be more transmissible between people and more capable of affecting younger people.
Therefore the Health Department has passed its order today for all entrants into Meghalaya who have travelled to or transited through the UK between November 25 and December 23 to declare their travel history of the past 14 days to the authorities by calling the 108 helpline or contacting their respective District Surveillance Officer.
All those travellers who have tested positive for Covid-19 shall be isolated at a separate isolation unit coordinated by the state health authorities. Those who are found to be negative must still undergo seven days of institutional quarantine followed by another seven days of home isolation.
They must also self-monitor for development of symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, use facemasks and stay at home.
Several countries, including India, have stopped all air travel from the UK for fear of spreading this new strain of the virus.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has prohibited all tourists from the UK from visiting the State. An order was passed by Chief Secretary, MS Rao today following an emergency of a new and highly infectious strain of the Coronavirus in the UK.
