EXCLUSIVE
SHILLONG, May 30 — As reports of a new COVID-19 variant emerge across several parts of India, Meghalaya’s Minister Incharge of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, in an interview to Meghalaya News 24 issued a public reassurance on Thursday, urging citizens not to panic but to remain vigilant and revisit basic COVID-19 protocols. Her remarks come amid rising national discussions around precautionary measures and preparedness in anticipation of a possible surge in infections.
Notably, Arunachal Pradesh has reported its first COVID-19 case of the current wave, signaling the re-emergence of the virus in the North East region.
Dr. Lyngdoh emphasized that while the state is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the Government of India, there is no immediate threat or emergency situation in Meghalaya. However, she reiterated the importance of personal responsibility, community awareness, and adherence to preventive protocols.
“Firstly, let me at the very initial stage of my statement tell the people of Meghalaya — please do not worry. No situation is to be alarming. We are well covered. All protocols, meetings have happened. Online meetings have happened with the Government of India. Constant monitoring of the issue and matter is also under control. We are prepared. We have all the beds, we have all the medications,” said Dr. Lyngdoh.
She acknowledged the emergence of a new COVID variant but dismissed fears of a large-scale health crisis in the state. “Correct, there is a new variant of COVID — it does not matter. The state is prepared. We do not anticipate this to get into an alarming proportion.”
Addressing concerns about infrastructure and hospital capacity, Dr. Lyngdoh highlighted a two-pronged approach — the readiness of health facilities and the active role of public participation.
“How are the conditions of our hospital beds? Hospital is one component of management of COVID that is being attended. The second component of management of COVID, which is more important, is public and community involvement. Please remember, protocols have been set in place during the COVID time,” she stated.
She urged citizens to proactively report symptoms and strictly follow COVID-appropriate behavior such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and self-isolating if tested positive.
“I think people should already get into COVID protocols — wear masks, maintain distance, make sure you isolate yourself if you have been tested with COVID, make sure you inform those around you of this testing report. People are now used to this drill,” she said, reinforcing that the state’s preparedness remains under continuous review.
“No emergency situation is anticipated, I repeat myself. We are not at an emergency reporting stage. We are at a stage where it is to be managed by the communities themselves, by citizens themselves. In the event of any case coming forward and getting reported, we will get back to you with necessary information. But bottom line — do not panic. We are prepared.”
Citizens experiencing persistent COVID-like symptoms have been advised to report immediately to government healthcare facilities, including Shillong Civil Hospital and Ganesh Das Hospital, to ensure early detection, intervention, and containment.
Dr. Lyngdoh’s appeal underscores Meghalaya’s current approach to pandemic management: a strategy grounded in medical readiness, community vigilance, and calm, evidence-based public messaging.
