From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Assam will impose a complete lockdown in the state from the evening of March 24 to March 31, 2020 as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) even as no confirmed positive case has so far been detected in the state.
Addressing reporters on Monday evening, Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said with the situation demanding enforcement of strict measures in the wake of the virus, the state would be placed under lockdown from 6pm of Tuesday till the night of March 31.
“Barring grocery shops, pharmacies and petrol depots, all other shops, trade establishments, offices, courts, educational institutions, private offices, government offices, industries will be completely closed during the period. Essential services such as ambulance services, fire and emergency services, PHE, power services, etc., will remain operational,” Sarma said.
The minister said that barring goods-laden vehicles, both public and private vehicles will not be allowed to ply between states.
“Rail and international flights have been suspended. Domestic airlines will be restricted but not completely stopped,” he said.
Barring procurement of groceries and medicine from the nearest shop/pharmacy from the residence, no person will be allowed to move around.
“Violators will be strictly punished. In the first instance of violation, the person concerned will have to undergo six months imprisonment and two years imprisonment in the second instance under IPC,” Sarma said.
The minister said that till 4pm of Monday, no confirmed positive case for coronavirus has been reported in the state.
“As many as 169 tests have been conducted till Monday evening 4pm with 148 testing negative while the outcome of 21 results are awaited,” Sarma said.
“The frequency of tests has increased with two tests so far conducted in National Institute of Virology, Pune, 83 in RMRC Lahowal, 64 in Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, 10 tests in Jorhat Medical College and Hospital and 10 tests in Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH),” he said.
So far, Assam has at least 150 ICU beds for treating patients for coronavirus which also includes facilities of private hospitals.
Sarma further said that it is imperative that home-quarantine was strictly adhered to while those showing the slightest symptoms – cough, cold and fever – should inform the nearest health worker or centre. “People may dial 104 and inform about any such instance and the service will be at their doorstop,” he said. The minister said that all religious congregations in places of worship would be prohibited during the lockdown.
“We know the economic impact of this decision. But we will come out with a solution in a few days after discussions. We will discuss with the Food Corporation of India in regard to free ration rice distribution from April 1, 2020. A decision in this regard will be taken on March 28-29,” he said.
Banks, ATMs and treasuries will be functional, while only about 10 percent staff will be engaged in financial transactions in government offices given the March 31 financial year closure.