Shillong: Meghalaya Health Minister James Sangma has hinted that the only way to avoid another lockdown is by ensuring they attain 100% vaccination against COVID-19.
Speaking with mediapersons on Tuesday, Sangma said they need to ensure people go for vaccination and attain 100% vaccination. “I think that’s the best way to ensure that we counter the spread of the Omicron variant,” the minister added.
Asked about the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state, Sangma acknowledged that it is expected that cases will increase. There is a general trend that cases are going up all across the world and Meghalaya is no exception, he said.
“We are looking to ensure that awareness is spread in the right manner to make people aware of the protocols; people should take necessary precautions,” added Sangma.
The minister said the health department is reaching out to the people. If anyone finds themselves asymptomatic or has had some kind of contact with a primary contact, they must ensure they quarantine and not take any chances. This is the only way we can fight this disease, he added.
Concerning allegations of opposition leader Dr Mukul Sangma alleging that the Chief Minister is violating Covid-19 protocols, the health minister said there are many instances where the opposition leader himself is seen not adhering to protocol.
“We would not like to go into it and play blame games. The CM is very responsible and always wears his mask but being in a public position, it’s not easy to keep people away from you. There are many people…sometimes forget the protocols in place and they may come and approach the CM,” he said.
Earlier, the chief minister also reacted to the allegations and rubbished the claims that he had violated COVID-19 protocols at Tura recently. The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) had accused the chief minister of putting people’s lives at risk by organising a cricket tournament in complete violation of the protocols. The party had alleged that over 250 people had gathered at the Police Parade Ground in Tura, almost all of them were without masks.
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