Shillong, Mar 29: The Speaker to the Meghalaya Assembly, and MLA of Mairang constituency, Metbah Lyngdoh on Saturday, held a meeting at Mairang Civil Sub Division to put inways and measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Speakingat the meeting attended by various traditional heads under Mairang CivilSub-Division.

Lyngdoh urged them to cooperate so that difficulties arising out of the 21-day lockdown can be overcome together.”We understand that the public are facing problems in terms of getting food and other essential items and in their movements from one place to another. But during these times the public should not panic. We are also concerned of the lockdown however, it is necessary to stop the spread of the virus even though our state does not have any cases so far,” the Speaker said.

Lyngdoh stated that traditional heads like Sordar and Rangbah Shnongs will have better knowledge of the situation in their respective villages and localities, pointed out that in such circumstances they should ensure that all the residents get equal share of essential commodities. The Speaker also said that the public should adhere to the advisories of the state government to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Lyngdoh also said that the village authorities like dorbar shnongs should inform the government if students or any other persons working outside the state have comeback home so that such persons if they have symptoms of the virus can be quarantined, “However this does not mean that all who have come back from outside the state have the virus but it is important to ensure that such persons are quarantined,” hesaid.

He also informed that isolation wards has been set up at Civil Hospital Mairang to treat persons with COVID-19. The Speaker also said that students who have come back from outside the state should home quarantine themselves and call up the 108 helpline number and speak to the doctors who will teach them who to protect themselves. On the issue of distribution of essential commodities under PDS,

Lyngdoh assured those present that the government has enough stock and the dorbar shnongs will have to appoint agents to lift the items from wholesalers and ensure that reach the residents.“This is not the time to take advantage of the situation and no one will be spared if they try to hoard essential commodities,” Lyngdoh appealed.  Moreover,the Assembly Speaker said that in fact this crisis is an opportunity for everyone to serve each other.