The state government has asked all entrants to the State from or transited through the UK in the past 4 weeks to declare their travel history (of past 14 days) to the Surveillance Units in the State and at the Districts and undergo RT-PCR test.
This has come in wake of a new variant of SARS- CoV-2 virus that has been detected in the United Kingdom (UK) which is estimated to be more transmissible and affecting the younger population.
The Health Department is a Press release said, “All those tested positive shall be isolated in an institutional isolation facility in a separate (isolation) unit coordinated by the State Health Authorities. Those who are found negative on testing with RT-PCR are to undergo 7 days of institutional quarantine followed by another 7 days of home quarantine, monitored by the IDSP/District Surveillance Officers.”
Elaborating more on it, Sampath Kumar, (IAS) Commissioner & Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department said, “ All those who have entered the State from the U.K. in the past 4 weeks (from 25th November to 23rd December 2020) are requested to self-monitor for development of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 i.e. Fever, Cough, Difficulty in breathing for 28 days from the date of arrival from the UK.”
“ In case of development of symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty in breathing), put on a mask immediately, isolate oneself at home and inform the District Surveillance Officer or contact State Helpline 108 or the following Numbers:-
| IDSP Unit | Contact Number |
| State IDSP | 9436105574/7085251352/9742384727 |
| East Khasi Hills | 9615289714/8971052320 |
| West Jaintia Hills | 9436106868/9620649028 |
| West Khasi Hills | 8794735427/8861109352 |
| Ri-Bhoi | 9615991059/8787496155 |
| West Garo Hills | 9436112376/9612793278 |
| East Jaintia Hills | 8837071757/9791075838 |
| South Garo Hills | 8731998727/9148850634 |
| East Garo Hills | 8974078414/9856823702 |
| North Garo Hills | 961261 1821/9615280507 |
| South West Khasi Hills | 7005168115/9123521700 |
| South West Garo Hills | 8257061562/7892952672 |
In view of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus being detected, The Health Department cautioned the general public to strictly adhere to the health advisories.
“Always wear a mask covering your nose and mouth when you are in close proximity with someone, especially while speaking, singing, and praying, this will prevent infection and contamination through droplets,” the Health Department said.
Further, requesting people to maintain physical distance at all times in public and personal spaces including at home, workplace, religious gatherings or while traveling in public or private transport, the department also asks the public to follow all the public health measures of infection prevention and control laid down by the State Government.
