SHILLONG, June 29 -- The state government has ordered closure of all shops in areas under the district of Ri Bhoi in Meghalaya, which are located at the border with Assam, which is witnessing a sharp rise of COVID-19 cases."Closure of shops in areas bordering Assam especially along the national highway will take effective from June 30 to July 15," Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a review meeting held in Shillong on Monday.

He said the decision was taken to ensure safety of the citizens by preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the state, following the prevailing situation in neighbouring Assam, which has imposed total lockdown recently.

"Instructions have been issued to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi (to i...