Given the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Meghalaya and the rest of the country, Shillong MP Vincent Pala today urged the people of the state to step forward and be vaccinated against the disease and not take things for granted.
The fact that Meghalaya is behind in terms of health facilities, oxygen supply, ventilators and enough hospital beds, especially in rural areas, means that the public should take precautions against the coronavirus, Pala told Highland Post.
“We are not saying that those who are vaccinated will not get the coronavirus, but the evidence shows the vaccine will protect them to some degree and prevent fatalities because it boosts immunity,” he opined.
He reminded Meghalayans that when the founder of Bethany Hospital, Dr John Sailo Ryntathiang, became the first Covid fatality in the state last year, the people were in the grip of fear and uncertainty but over time they have let their guard down.
“Our people have to be cautious and take the vaccine and protect themselves from the coronavirus, which is believed to have become deadlier and spreads even faster,” the MP said.
When asked to comment on the decision of the state government to once again close Meghalaya to outside tourists and close schools, he said that the administration has the benefit of data to be able to take such a decision but he questioned why election campaigns and public meetings were allowed to go ahead.
“I think election campaigns, meetings, etc should all stop and the state government should increase the testing facilities and cooperate with Dorbar Shnongs, etc on this matter,” he said.
Pala also called for greater awareness on the disease to be created in rural areas, where, he opined, the people largely do not believe in the existence of Covid-19.
