Newmai News Network
Shillong | July 27
Meghalaya Health Minister, Alexander L Hek on Monday ruled out random testing in all containment areas while stating that this will only be done if many positive cases are detected in such containment areas.
It may be noted here that many areas in and around Shillong have recently been brought under the purview of containment after some Covid-19 positive cases were detected. Hek visited the containment areas in Mawlai on Monday, which include Mawlai Nongpdeng, Mawlai Mawïong Rim, Mawlai Umjaïur, Mawlai Umshing- Umjapung and Mawlai Mawtawar, along with officials of the health department and took stock of the Covid-19 situation in these areas.
“We assessed the situation in these containment areas under Mawlai constituency and we felt that big localities or villages need not be contained wholly, but only a small portion should be contained so that it will not affect residents in the whole area,” Hek said.
Asked if random testing must be carried out in containment areas, Hek said that random testing can be conducted only after many positive cases are detected in such areas. “As of now, we are testing the high risk contacts who have directly come into contact with the persons who tested positive,” he said.
On Mawlai Mawtawar which was declared as containment area as four staff of a health sub centre tested positive a few days ago, Hek said that the Covid-19 Management Committee of Mawtawar and officials of the health department are taking a call on the issue because Mawtawar is a big locality.
Meanwhile, Mawlai MDC, Teiborlang Pathaw met representatives of the Dorbar Shnongs at the no entry points of the containment areas and handed over face shields, hand gloves and cash. Pathaw lauded the Covid-19 Management Committees of Mawtawar, Nongpdeng, Umjaïur, Umshing-Umjapung, and Mawïong Rim for taking all efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 and assured that he will extend help to the Dorbar Shnongs in whatever way he can.
