GUWAHATI: Assam has strengthened the surveillance and control measures against Novel coronavirus with 151 passengers screened at various airports in the state and 56 of them from the coronavirus-affected countries identified and are under home isolation.
Twenty-three passengers are from other states/countries including nine from Meghalaya, six from Bhutan, three from Nagaland and five from Telangana.
The information has been shared with the concerned states and all passengers have left Assam, a statement issued by the state surveillance unit, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Health Mission, Assam on Sunday, said.
It may be noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent movel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic affecting 23 countries as International Public Health Emergency of International concern.
Till date, two samples have been sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for tests out of which one sample has been found negative and other sample was sent back as non-indicated case.
Besides, 104 (Sarathi) and control room have been established on shift basis for call receiving and guidance with 31 calls received till date and information given.
“In the background of the present coronavirus outbreak, people are advised to adhere to health advisories issued by the state government. Public should follow the cough etiquettes by covering the nose and mouth using handkerchief/towel while sneezing/coughing and do frequent hand washing with soap and water,” the statement said.
“Those who have arrived from the coronavirus-affected countries should remain under strict home isolation for 28 days from the date of arrival in India, irrespective of whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic,” the statement said.
“As there are no positive cases in Assam, the border districts of Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri are on novel coronavirus surveillance and any suspected persons are advised to report immediately to district surveillance unit/SSU, IDSP Assam,” the statement added.
