Shillong, June 29: Night curfew has been extended in Meghalaya till July 6 every night for eight hours as part of the efforts to check the spread of COVID-19 in the State.

An order issued by East Khasi Hills district magistrate, Matsiewdor War Nongbri said that in niew of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic is contained, reduced and eliminated in Meghalaya by way of ensuring observance of strict protocols of the advisories issued by the State Health and Family Welfare Department, night curfew is promulgated under Section 144 CrPC read with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 from 9 pm to 5 am each night.

However, the order would not apply to hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary clinics, security forces, medical teams on duty, wholesale and retail pharmacies, police and armed forces, fire and emergency service, municipal boards, power and postal departments, IT and communication, press, petrol pumps and other essential services.

Inter-state movement, assembly of people have also been prohibited and an order has been issued for maintenance of social distancing of at least six feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and other health protocols.

Opening of religious places and places of worship of all faiths including religious gatherings and congregations have also been prohibited.

“However, marriage rituals in places of worship is permitted only after due permission is obtained from the district magistrate,” the order specified, adding that the number of guests in marriage related gatherings should not exceed 50.

The order also prohibited incoming additional labour force from outside, except for skilled, highly skilled, specialized professionals and technicians regulated by standard operating procedures and order of the Labour and Health and Family Welfare department.