“It has become necessary to control the spread of the pandemic especially in the identified commercial areas in the interest of the safety of the health of the general public against any further spread of COVID-19,” Nongbri said, adding that no person is allowed to operate any form of business in the specified areas.

“Gatherings, events, functions whatsoever of any nature and forms including social, political, religious, economic activities are not allowed and all shopping establishments shall be closed immediately,” she further said.

All Government and private institutions located within the boundaries of the specified areas are to close forthwith till further orders, Nongbri informed.

According to the order, the Incident Commander, Zone-III, will be the Supervising Officer of the specified area in Police Bazaar (from Khyndai Lad via Gold Cinema up to Umsohsun road junction) and G. S. Road (from Shani Mandir till Bimola Point), while the Incident Commander, Zone-IV, will be the Supervising Officer of the specified area in Motphran area till Bimola Point, Motphran area to Stand Jeep area and MUDA Parking Lot (Upper level) at Garikhana.

This however will not apply to health workers and essential workers of Shillong Municipal Board, press including electronic and print media, pharmacies and LPG delivery workforce.

“Any violation of the order will entail prosecution under the penal provision of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and IPC,” Nongbri warned.