Shillong, Apr 8: Health Minister, A L Hek said on Wednesday said that Meghalaya is fully prepared to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We will not leave any stone unturned to combat COVID-19,” Hek said.

Hek was chairing review meetings with district health and medical officials of East Khasi Hills, East Jaiñtia Hills and West Jaiñtia Hills in the presence of senior health officials.

He also inspected the hospitals and other centres designated for admitting, treating and managing patients with COVID-19 in the districts.

So far, samples of 111 persons have been tested negative for COVID-19 in Meghalaya.

Director of Health Services, Dr Aman War said, doctors in Shillong Civil Hospital are geared up to tackle the situation.

He also informed that the state has received enough N95 masks and PPEs.

Hek said the government has issued strict protocols for trucks drivers/handymen transporting essential commodities into Meghalaya.

“We will not allow them to enter the state if they are not screened,” adding that trucks carrying essential items will have to be disinfected at the entry points, even as drivers/handymen will be screened and provided with masks and hand sanitisers.

“Registration at entry point, with their full name, address, contact number, travel history for the last 14 days and whether they have any symptoms of fever, cough and breathing difficulty,” the Health department said.

Hek said truck drivers and handymen are to carry packed food and no stoppage should be allowed except in extreme circumstances.

For loading/unloading of commodities, the agency concerned should make arrangements for the local labour available to assist them.

Drivers/handymen who require to stay for a night, should inform the authorities.

Hek said the health department also advised such persons not to come out of their vehicles except when they need to use the washroom which are available at petrol pumps.

“The petrol pumps are to ensure that the washrooms are kept in clean condition with bleaching powder and running water,” he said.