Situation in Guwahati complicated, Himanta hints another phase of lockdown

June 13: As many as 25 Covid-19 positive cases in Guwahati city do not have any travel history. This has baffled the health department. Saying so, Biswa Sarma mentioned that the trucks which come to Assam with essential commodities are possible carrier of COVID-19. He said that these 25 patients are somehow related to areas having godown and parking of these trucks.

During a press briefing in Guwahati on Saturday, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that around 50,000 samples would be collected and tested in Guwahati in the next 15 days. Supposing that 500 new positive cases are detected in the next few days when the rate of testing is intensified, Guwahatians might have to be prepared for another phase of lockdown. However, he stressed on the point that no such decision will be taken before the tests are done. The minister also added that, “If we are compelled, we will not shy away from taking any tough decisions.”

Further,the state government is is also contemplating to change curfew timing from 9 pm to 7 pm onwards. However, the decision has not yet been made.  The state has conducted 2,01,503 tests, per million tests done more than many other states. The total number of testing in the state will move up to three lakh by 30 June.

On Saturday alone, 207 COVID-19 positive cases were reported from Assam. Till now, 3900 coronavirus cases were detected in the state, out of which, 2084 are active cases. At the same time, the recovery rate in the state has also gone up. As of now, 1805 patients were discharged from various hospitals of Assam. To date, 8 persons have lost their lives in the state due to Covid-19.