Meghalaya CM hints at lockdown extension but orders opening of wine shops

April 12: Though till now there has not been a single case of coronavirus in Meghalaya, yet its Chief Minister is playing safe. On Saturday, CM Conrad K Sangma hinted at extending the anti-COVID19 lockdown in the state. The lockdown which began from midnight of 24 March will end on Tuesday.

CM Sangma went live in his Facebook page wherein he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with the chief ministers of all the states via video conferencing to formulate strategy for tackling coronavirus. He said that many of the states spoke in favour of extension of lockdown. He also said that as per decision in Meghalaya Cabinet, the Government of India was proposed to continue some kind of lockdown and restrict movement of individuals across different states should not take place atleast for 2 more weeks. He, however, also pointed out striking a balance between health concern and economic activity. The final call would, ofcourse be taken by the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, State government has approved the opening of wine shops and bonded warehouses w.e.f 13/4/20202 to 17/4/2020 from 9 am to 4 pm on the permitted days. The order stated that the wine shops would be made personally responsible by deploying their staff to ensure maintaining social distancing. The order further stated that in areas without liquor shops, home delivery will also be allowed.