Shillong: 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 ensuring observance of strict protocols of the advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District has under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 and Guideline No. 5 (i) of Order dated 1st May, 2020 of Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs, prohibits the following in East Khasi Hills District with effect from 25th May, 2020 upto 31st May, 2020 only for timings falling between 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
In the whole of East Khasi Hills District including Shillong urban agglomeration, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and C&RD Blocks, the Order prohibits Inter-District and Inter-State movement, any assembly whatsoever and while enforcing this every individual to mandatorily maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and to strictly follow the various protocols and advisories of the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department at all times, without fail. Operation of major markets and shopping complexes in all commercial locations, opening of saloons, beauty parlours, spa and other similar rejuvenating centres, operation of all cinema halls, shopping malls and complexes, gymnasium, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditorium, assembly halls and similar recreational places, hotels and hospitality services other than those used as quarantine facilities and housing of stranded persons and tourists, operation of educational institutions, training centres and coaching classes (tuitions) barring online and distance learning, opening of all religious and places of worship to the public including religious congregation, all forms of gathering including social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions, moving in public and work places without a mask, movement of persons above 65 years of age, person with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years in public places beyond individual households except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes, spitting in public places and consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc in public places.
Additionally, in Shillong urban agglomeration including areas falling under Umshyrpi bridge upto 7th Mile Upper Shillong of Mylliem C&RD Block, and in all areas falling under Census Towns of Mawlai and Mawpat C&RD Blocks, the Order prohibits operation of all shops dealing in non-essential items including garments, apparels, drapes, footwear, gift items, bags, suit case, watches, perfumes, toys, sports gears and equipments, luxury items, TV sets, refrigerator, washing machines and other kitchen appliances, utensils, crockery, house-keeping appliances, grooming gadgets, sofa sets, chandeliers, table and chairs, unauthorized car washing unit, tailoring, private Printing Press, furniture workshops etc., opening of restaurants, cafes, food outlets, dairy stalls, tea and food stalls. However, home delivery and takeaway is allowed. Further, opening of tent house shops, incoming additional labour force from outside the District to in-situ construction activities is also prohibited. Such activities are to continue with the in-situ workers on site while maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and other protocols and advisories of the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department. In-situ workers shall also include labourers, supervisors, contractors etc. working in the construction site coming from their residence within the same District. Operation of public and private transport barring public transportation arranged by the Government of Meghalaya in the Transport Department on 2nd May, 2020.
The prohibitory Order states that operation of permitted supply chains, wholesalers and retail outlets in the whole of East Khasi Hills District including all shops in Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and in all the C&RD Blocks of East Khasi Hills will be regulated as per scheduled timings and dates which will be released in advance from time to time by the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District.
Operation of permitted services, agricultural, industrial and commercial activities shall strictly adhere to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Government and mandatory compliance the advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. 50% of private and public transport will operate in Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and in all the C&RD Blocks of East Khasi Hills as per notified arrangements.
The District Magistrate informed that vehicle pass for timings falling between 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM with effect from 25th May, 2020 upto 31st May, 2020 can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in.
The designated Joint Secretaries/Heads of Department and District Heads of Office in East Khasi Hills will issue vehicle passes only to their respective Officers and staff specifically for official purposes and the Sub-Divisional Officer (C) Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and Block Development Officers of East Khasi Hills will issue vehicle passes to their respective Officers and staff specifically for official purposes and to private agency(s) under their respective jurisdictions for performing specific permitted economic activities.
The designated Joint Secretaries/Heads of Department, District Heads of Office, Sub-Divisional Officer (C) Sohra and Pynurlsla Civil Sub-Divisions and Block Development Officers will ensure that the passes are utilized strictly for the specified purpose and any deviation will render the Issuing Authority and the employee/staff/pass holder liable to legal action. Name, address, contact details, timings and purpose of the pass to be clearly reflected.
The prohibitory Order states that public and private vehicles moving with a pass in Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and C&RD Blocks and authorized public vehicles of Transport Department and private vehicles moving with a pass in Shillong urban agglomeration will move with two passengers and driver for four-wheelers, one pillion rider restricted only to female/child below the age of 12 years with driver for two-wheelers and to utilize only 50% of seating capacity.
However, passes for all forms of Inter-District or Inter-State movement shall only be issued by the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District.
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