Meghalaya wants the national lockdown to continue after May 3 with more relaxations in the green zones and adoption of the state’s model of rapid response system to combat Covid-19.
This was suggested by chief minister Conrad K. Sangma during a video conferencing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other chief ministers on Monday.
Out of Meghalaya’s 11 districts, only parts of the Shillong agglomeration and East Khasi Hills district have Covid cases till now. The other districts are all green zones. But there is a general apprehension here that there could be problems if the lockdown is lifted and inter-state movement is allowed.
As in other states, Meghalaya has relaxed restrictions on agriculture, MGNREGA work, construction, quarrying and reopening of automobile workshops along highways but with insistence on adherence to physical distancing and other protocols.
While making his submissions, Conrad suggested the Meghalaya model of rapid response system, wherein response is initiated by health, administration and police within a specified time on detection of new Covid-19 cases.
“The rapid response system will enable the government to work at the micro level, like the panchayati raj institutions, and prepare us for any situation that may arise in future,” he said.
He also suggested that the response of different stakeholders should be specified in the form of standard operating procedures (SoP), so they can respond within 60 minutes.
He stressed the need for all states to have an economic task force for exchange of ideas and possible solutions to initiate economic activities by adhering to necessary precautionary protocols. “There is an economic state-to-state dependence. The economic task force will help states and their neighbours to a large extent in devising practical measures to revive the economy,” he said.
Conrad told Modi that the use of technology has become important and one should prepare for change by integrating technology in governance, healthcare and business.
In his website, Modi noted that the lockdown had yielded positive results and the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one-and-a-half months. He, however, forewarned that the danger of the virus was far from over and constant vigilance was of paramount importance.
Modi also noted that the country has seen two lockdowns till now, both different in certain aspects. Now, he said, everyone should think of the way ahead. According to experts, he said, the impact of the coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months.
Reiterating the mantra of “do gaz doori” (1.82 metres distance), he said masks and face covers will become a part of people’s lives in the days ahead. Under the circumstances, everyone’s aim must be rapid response, he added.
Modi said the economy should also be given importance.
He highlighted the importance for states to strictly enforce guidelines in hotspots or red zones. He said efforts should be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and then green zones.