In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive measures and awareness, to identify and take more stringent steps to ensure social distancing so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of rigorous contact tracing, testing, quarantine, isolation and ensuring strict observance of protocols and advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 14th March, 2021 under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has prohibited all forms of large public gathering and congregation including social, political, entertainment, academic, cultural, etc without permission from the Office of the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills with effect from 15th March, 2021 upto 21st March, 2021 only for timings falling between 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM each day in all of East Khasi Hills District.
The order also prohibits moving in public, workplaces and during transport without a mask, spitting and consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco, etc. in public places.
The general instruction of the order states that every individual must mandatorily maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and to strictly follow without fail the various protocols and advisories of the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department at all times.
Religious places, places of worship of all faiths are permitted to re-open subject to compliance to the standard operating procedure as laid down in the notification issued by the Political Department, Government of Meghalaya and the number of attendees shall not exceed 75% of the seating capacity as per order issued by the Government.
Schools and Hostels will open as per notifications and standard operating procedures issued by the Education Department, Government of Meghalaya.
Maximum number of persons allowed during any religious, social and private gatherings is increased to 75% of the capacity of the venue.
Private and non-government offices are permitted to function with 100 % strength as per order issued by the Government.
Cinema Halls are permitted to re-open subject to compliance with the standard operating procedures as issued by the General Administration Department, Government of Meghalaya and after due permission is obtained from the office of the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills.
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women are advised to stay at home except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
All residents of the District are to install Aarogya Setu Application and Behavioral Change Management App and regularly update their health status on the apps for containment of COVID-19 pandemic.
Odd-even restriction for public transport in Shillong Urban agglomeration area is discontinued and private vehicles seeking exemption from this rule may apply to the office of the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills along with supporting documents.
Inter-state movement of persons will be strictly as per the instructions of the Government of Meghalaya.
All persons entering Meghalaya will have to mandatorily register for testing at http://meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/testing.htm and shall strictly follow the testing and quarantine protocols as issued by Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya.
