Places of worship to reopen from August 16

Shillong, Aug 9: The state government on Monday has allowed the reopening of places of worship and also solemisation of marriages from August 16.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that the government took this decision after receiving inputs from deputy commissioners and other stakeholders.

However, Tynsong said that gatherings in Churches and other places of worship will be one-third of the total capacity.

The Deputy Chief Minister who holds the Health portfolio informed that although solemisation of wedding is allowed but reception is still barred.

Meanwhile, Tynsong said that the government was worried about the loss of livelihood of the citizens of the state due to the lengthy period of the lockdown.

However, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government could not do much due to the alarmingly high positivity rate.

“We cannot take any decision in one go. So step by step we will observe. We really want to bring things back to normalcy at the earliest possible,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He also said that the government is planning to vaccinate 70 percent of the citizens above 18 years by September end.

Tynsong also informed that the government’s focus now is to complete 100 percent vaccination.

“If we can complete 100 percent vaccination we are free and I think the restrictions will not be there anymore,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

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