Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today expressed confidence that the Covid-19 pandemic was on a downwards trend in the state but it remains important for the public not to let their guard down, especially with Christmas and New Year coming up.
“We are seeing that the overall trend is coming down and the number of positive cases is coming down, which is a good thing but I think it is important we should not let our guard down,” Sangma told reporters after a review meeting.
There were 2,358 new Covid-19 cases in Meghalaya in November, the lowest figure for any month since August. However, the numbers of tests carried out have also reduced, which could partially explain the fall.
There are also differences between districts. East Khasi Hills, which has accounted for six out of every ten Covid infections reported in Meghalaya, saw a fall of over 50 percent in the number of new cases in November compared to October. However, the other ten districts combined only saw a reduction of around 16 percent.
With Christmas and New Year just weeks away, the CM said that the government will consult with stakeholders to formulate basic guidelines so that the holidays can be celebrated in a safe way.
Deputy Commissioners of the 11 districts will be asked to hold meetings with local stakeholders to get their feedback on what guidelines should be issued.
Sangma also urged the public to be cautious and disciplined in ensuring that they remain as safe as possible from contracting the virus.
He also reiterated that if and when a vaccine becomes available, medical and other frontline workers will be immunised first.
