All shops, markets & business establishments to be closed in Meghalaya from Friday midnight

March 20: Taking cognizance of the crisis posed by the pandemic coronavirus (or COVID-19), the Meghalaya Government has called for a 24-hour bandh of all shops, markets and business establishments in the state. The bandh will come into effect from midnight of 20 March to midnight of 21 March throughout the state. There will also be restrictions on the movement of public transport during this phase.

The Government of Meghalaya has also instructed the Government employees to work from home. 50% of Government employees will work from home, while the rest will work from the office. However, those employees who will be working from the office have been instructed to take proper precautions. The instructions, however, shall not apply to offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and health & family welfare department which is directly engaged in taking measures to control the spread of COVID-19 apart from departments like home (police), political, finance, planning and information and public relations.

The Government of Meghalaya has imposed restrictions in movement of public transport and to close all shops, markets and establishments w.e.f midnight of 20th March, 2020 to midnight of 21st March, 2020 to enforce the advisories and restrictions for containment of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/0Iw4FYesQh

— CMO Meghalaya (@CMO_Meghalaya) March 19, 2020

An order pertaining to the employees was issued by Meghalaya chief secretary, M S Rao who stated that the order will remain in force till April 3. It is suggested that three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the timings fixed. The officials, who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up, should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigency of work, the order said.

In a latest notification issued by Abhijit Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, it has been informed that the issuance of new/fresh Inner Line Permit (ILP) for both domestic and foreign tourists and all other categories shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders.