Former minister and high profile Congress figure RG Lyngdoh expressed his fear that the state government would go down the route of a lockdown without basing relying on scientific evidence.
Speaking to Highland Post, Lyngdoh said that Meghalaya must not simply copy the actions taken by other states, some of which are hinting at possible reimposition of lockdowns, a case of ‘monkey see, monkey do’.
Stating that lockdowns create too many problems, be it economic, social, or otherwise, he said, “After the government has claimed that the coronavirus vaccination is very successful, then why is there a threat of another lockdown?”
He also wondered whether the drop in Covid cases prior to this month was down to an actual fall in infections or lower number of tests carried out by the Health Department.
Lyngdoh stressed that instead of a lockdown there should be a reinforcement of protocols, such as wearing masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene, etc.
“Let a proper study and discussion with experts and the medical fraternity be done because if policymakers decide without consulting experts in these matters then, ultimately, the small people are the ones who will suffer and the government will not be able to support them,” he said.
