Following COVID-19 protocols: Letters to The Editor

Because of the recent surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in Assam, the State Government has released multiple sets of guidelines, which are to be followed to tackle the spread of the deadly virus. According to the guidelines released on April 20, the city buses of Kamrup (M) have been instructed to operate with a 50 per cent seating capacity. Though some of the city buses have adhered to this rule, it has been seen that many of the city buses of Kamrup (M) have ignored this rule completely. These city buses are not only accommodating more than 50 per cent seating capacity but also in some instances, have increased the fare. This can be considered as the breaking of COVID-19 protocols issued by the State government. This has made the citizens of Kamrup (M) frustrated.

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to look into the matter and take necessary actions for the safety and wellbeing of the people.

Tushar Bhuyan,

Guwahati

Coronavirus

crisis in Assam

The number of COVID patients in Assam is increasing. With the number of government hospitals in the State is limited, the people need to take precautions to not contract the virus.

Of course, overnight, the government cannot increase the number of beds in the government hospitals. However, the Assam Government has proposed to set up a few temporary hospitals for the treatment of COVID patients. While one needs to follow precautions to avoid contracting COVID, one has to be physically fit too. The World Health Organization has suggested that every person should make his/her immune system strong by taking good foods, drinking sufficient water and get sound sleep.

Maheswar Deka,

Rangia

Population growth,

COVID-19 & CAA

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in India is reaching almost 1.45 lakh in a single day.

Only 25 crore population will be vaccinated by July 2021, as stated by the Central government.

Though the State government has taken some crucial measures to manage population growth, on the other hand, the Central Government has passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill thus making it an Act. Under this Act, people of minority groups from our neighbouring countries will get Indian citizenship.

So, these new citizens will require a lot of resources and money. India is already the second of the most populated country in the world and also 22 per cent of its population is below the poverty line.

Anisha Choudhury,

Guwahati

Wrong time for politics

As the nation is facing one of the deadliest crises in regards to the corona pandemic, it is rather unfortunate that a so-called farmers' body is busy doing politics. Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab are the worst victims of the second wave of the COVID-19 attack. As responsible citizens of the nation, it's time for all to unite to see off the catastrophe. AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi has upheld an exemplary example by being the first one to cancel all his poll campaign meetings in West Bengal but why Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh is instigating the farmers to take out a protest march towards Delhi defying all the COVID-19 protocols. It appears that for Congress, pandemic and politics makes no difference.

Lanu Dutta Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

COVID-19 cases and rallies

The recent spike in COVID-19 cases has put the common man's life in danger. It is imminent that during such a peak period where one is witnessing fatalities owing to COVID-19, the Election rallies otherwise are in full swing across the nation. The Election Commission of India should now impose a Model Code of Conduct to bring COVID-19 under its purview- while considering the people's health and safety as paramount factors.

The ECI should immediately revoke all the election campaign permissions in the physical model for the remaining elections to curb the COVID-19 spike. The ECI should instead focus on innovative election campaign trails including conducting rallies through a video conferencing mode. No political party should be allowed to gather crowds but instead use technology and video conferencing as a mode to appeal to voters and ensure a smooth election campaigning process.

Varun Dambal,

Bangalore

Manage crematoriums

The COVID deaths bring to attention the chaos of the crematoriums in the country. The relatives of the deceased have to wait for many hours for the last rites. The complaints about charging extra fees for funerals are being witnessed. This situation exhibits anaesthesia as well as being anxious. The need of the hour is that the State governments should manage crematoriums, set up more crematoriums for COVID victims, and strictly monitor them.

Amit Singh Kushwaha,

Satna (M.P.)

Mask on

People are shedding initial hesitancy and the vaccine has gained acceptance. It will go a long way in curbing the pandemic. It should not be forgotten that the vaccinated person may still catch the virus. By getting vaccinated, we have discharged our national and social responsibility in the fight against this disease. However, we have to be more responsible in continuing to follow COVID appropriate behaviour to stop its spread.

Chandan Kumar Nath,

Sorbhog

Spike in second wave of COVID-19

The second wave of COVID-19 is spreading faster than its first wave. I see people wearing masks everywhere I go. People are very eager to take the vaccine. Serpentine queues are seen in front of hospitals. Gauging the gravity of the situation right, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is reviewing the situation with top-level officials regularly. He also held an all-party meeting on the health crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been telling the public and the State/UT governments of the country as well as what has to be done to combat the crisis. However, what's crystal clear on this count is 'taking all precautionary measures. It has no alternative.

Putul Sarma,

Biswanath Chariali