Shillong, June 15: The Meghalaya Government, which had on June 9 last kept in abeyance the decision to re-open places of worship, on Monday decided to allow relaxation only for the purposes of conducting marriage ceremonies under strict safety protocols.

However, re-opening up of places of worship is still prohibited.

“During the review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, we discussed this issue and decided that marriages would be allowed to be solemnised inside the places of worship,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told journalists.

“Those parties wanting to get permission should submit their application to the concerned Deputy Commissioner to acquire permission in this regard. But strict protocols should be followed,” he added.

Tynsong said the government has received several petitions from various religious organisations requesting the government to allow marriages to be solemnized in religious places.

The Meghalaya government, which had initially decided to re-open places of worship from June 14, later kept it on hold in consultation with representatives of various religious organizations in the wake of rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.

Meghalaya now has 17 active positive COVID-19 cases out of 44 cases including one deceased.

So far, 26 persons infected by the virus have recovered.

Health Minister, A L Hek said that out of 14,147 samples sent for tests, ested 13,303 tests yielded negative, and the results of 800 tests are awaiting.

Hek said that the testing capacity in the state would increase soon as the testing unit at Pasteur Institute, Lawmali would become operational.

Hek said that between 40 and 50 tests per day can be conducted at Pasteur

He also said that the testing capacity of NEIGRIHMS is 600 per day, another testing unit at Tura can conduct between 200 and 250 tests per day.

Moreover, director of health services (MI), Dr Aman War said that rapid test is being done along the Indo-Bangla border at Ryngku, and such test may be also conducted at Tamabil, Dawki.