Lockdown could be re-imposed in Guwahati if COVID-19 situation goes out of control: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati: Assam's Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that lockdown could be re-imposed in Guwahati city if the coronavirus transmission rate again spirals out of control due to citizens' reckless behaviour.

Expressing displeasure over the social behaviour of the Guwahatians after the Unlock-3 which has started from August 16, Sarma stated that people are yet to learn their lesson after several cycles of lockdown called to contain the outbreak of the dreaded virus.

The minister, talking to media, said that today the pandemic situation in the state is under control, but the situation could spiral out of control within 15 days if the people stop wearing masks and taking other precautions against the virus.

"We want to remind the people that the new coronavirus is still here. People should wear face masks while moving out of their houses. Otherwise, the situation may go out of control. If it happens, the government will think of another lockdown," the minister added.

Barring a few activities, the Assam Government lifted most of the lockdown restrictions from August as a part of its Unlock 3.0 so as to revive the sagging economy. An order issued by State Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna on August 13 stated that all permitted activities would be allowed from 5 am to 9 pm from Monday to Friday. The timing of the night curfew is between 9.30 pm and 5 am.

However, most of the regulations were seen going for a toss in Guwahati city, with the wearing of face masks and following of social distancing norms seeming like a distant memory. For instance, some of the city bus passengers were sitting in the buses without wearing face masks, risking their own as well as others' lives.

It needs mention here that 2,792 coronavirus positive cases have been reported the state on the first day of unlock-3 which ends on August 31.

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