Meghalaya records highest single-day casualties, total curfew extended in East Khasi Hills

Shillong, May 19 (UNI) Meghalaya on Wednesday reported 24 Coronavirus-related deaths, the highest single-day tally of fatality in the State so far, mounting the number of fatalities acount to 379, and 872 new cases of infection surged the active caseload 5, 769, health officials said.
The State also reported 411 new recoveries, pushing the total number of recovered patients up to 19, 596 as on date.
So far, Meghalaya has detected 25,744 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the onset of  the viral infection in April, 2020.
With 3,365 active COVID-19 cases and 318 deaths, the East Khasi Hills, which includes state capital Shillong, is the most worst-hit COVID-19 district in the State. Of the 24 deaths reported during the past 24 hours, 17 fatalities and 571 new cases were accounted from East Khasi Hills district alone with hospitals being slowly overwhelmed in the district, health officials said.
Four COVID-19 deaths were also reported from West Jaintia Hills district, besides one death each from East Jaintia Hills district, Ri-Bhoi district and East Garo Hills district. Moreover, 68 new cases were also detected in West Garo Hills district, 60 in Ri-Bhoi  district, 40 in South West Garo Hills district, 37 in West Jaintia Hills district, 25 in East Jaintia Hills district, 22 in East Garo Hills district, 21 in North Garo Hills district, 11 in
West Khasi Hills district and nine in South West Khasi Hills district.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district, Isawanda Laloo on Wednesday further extended the “total curfew” with effect from 8:00 pm of May 19 till 5:00 am of May 31, 2021, in view of the continuous sharp spike in COVID-19 casesin the district, and hospital bed occupancy nearing saturation.
“Inter-district movement of people is not permitted. No person is to step out without valid reasons. Vehicles plying without passes will be liable for strict penalties. Any one in defiance of orders is liable for arrest,” the order specified.
Moreover, in-situ constructions permitted vide earlier orders stands cancelled.
However, the order exempted health services including vaccination but person(s) moving for vaccination should be able to produce proof of COWIN registration and slot booking.
Moreover, the curfew order will not apply to persons travelling on essential government duties, police, security and armed forces and other personnel on emergency and other emergency services.