Shillong, May 24: Night curfew has been extended in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district from May 25 to May 31 between 7pm and 6am daily to contain COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

“Every individual has 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 Health and Family Welfare Department at all times, without fail,” District Magistrate, Matsiewdor War Nongbri said.

In the whole of East Khasi Hills District including Shillong urban agglomeration, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and Community &Rural Development Blocks, inter-district and inter-state movement and any assembly whatsoever has also been prohibited.

Nongbri said the order will not apply to security forces, pharmacies, media, essential services, online/home food delivery, post and telegraph, IT services, petrol pumps and online/home food delivery, authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of health & family welfare department and government officials on duty.

“These services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail,” the order said.

Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipment and shops for repair of trucks on highways are also exempted from the purview of the curfew.

“However, drivers and attendants shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols,” She said.

Major markets and shopping complexes, saloons, beauty parlours, spa, cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasium, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, hotels and hospitality services other than those used as quarantine facilities and housing of stranded persons and tourists, educational institutions will remain closed.