The Meghalaya government has appealed to citizens living along the international and inter-state borders to remain vigilant and not allow the entry of people either from Bangladesh or Assam in a bid to contain Covid-19.

Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here on Friday that though the state has not registered a single Covid-19-positive case so far, there was no room for complacency. “Let us not be complacent. We have to work and fight against this disease, which has already entered Assam, our neighbour.”

Tynsong said the government has deployed security forces at the entry points to the state to check inter-state movement. He also appealed to the local authorities like village councils to ensure that no inter-state movement takes place. “Entire inter-state and parts of international borders are unfenced. Hence, we need the cooperation of the local village authorities. Work day and night and stop those who are trying to enter Meghalaya. We should be proactive,” he said.

Meghalaya shares a 444km international border with Bangladesh while the length of its interstate boundary is uncertain in view of 12 areas of dispute with Assam.

On Thursday, the government had issued an order stating that transportation of goods would be allowed only from certain entry points — Ratacherra in East Jaiñtia Hills, Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi, Dainadubi in North Garo Hills, Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills, and Garodoba in South West Garo Hills.

The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences had also issued a protocol on Thursday for transfer of non-Covid-19 critically ill patients from other states to the institute — only those certified by health authority can seek treatment at the institute.

Tynsong asked the people to remain more vigilant with another 11 days to go for the nationwide lockdown to come to an end. “If we can cross this bridge, I am sure we will be saved. During these 11 days, all stakeholders must be more vigilant,” he said.

On essential commodities, food and civil supplies department secretary Pravin Bakshi said there was no shortage at present nor would there be any in the future.

He said of the 117,278 quintals of Grade A rice procured from the Food Corporation of India under the open market sales scheme, about 10,000 quintals had reached Guwahati and would soon be lifted to Meghalaya.

On the targeted public distribution system, he said the stock for April had already been lifted for distribution.