SHILLONG, May 8 - The only active COVID-19 patient of Meghalaya has once again tested positive for the disease. However, he remains in a stable condition.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the patient had tested positive after the latest test. Samples will be sent for a retest after three days as per the Health protocol, he added.
On the other hand, the total number of stranded people who have returned from other North Eastern States stood at 2,080 till this evening. These people are being screened and some of them have been tested before being quarantined at home and in institutional facilities.
These stranded people are entering the State through four entry points located at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district, Ratacheera in East Jaintia Hills district, Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills district and Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills district.
Liquor price hike: The Meghalaya Government has hiked liquor prices by 25 per cent to generate funds for the State exchequer amid the novel coronavirus-induced crisis.
Announcing the price hike, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the 25 per cent increase would be effected on the maximum retail price. �A hike of 25 per cent on the maximum retail price of liquor has been approved of by the Government effective from midnight of May 8 in order to generate additional Excise revenue to meet the unexpected financial burden and expenditure arising out of COVID-19,� he said.
The Chief Minister said that the increase was likely to generate an additional revenue between Rs 120 and Rs 130 crore. The Meghalaya Excise Department has been one of the largest revenue collectors for the State after the Mining Department.
In the last fiscal, revenue generated by the Excise Department stood at Rs 260 crore, apart from the VAT on liquor. A rush of buyers has been witnessed in the liquor shops which have been reopened in the State after relaxation of lockdown.
