All of Guwahati to be under lockdown if COVID cases continue to rise: Pijush Hazarika

Guwahati: Minister of State Pijush Hazarika has declared that the Assam Government might clamp a total lockdown in Guwahati if the Covid-19 cases continue to spike upwards. The Minister made this announcement a day after the Assam Government imposed a 14-day lockdown in 11 wards of the state's largest city.

Addressing mediapersons today, Hazarika lamented that the condition of Guwahati has continued to worsen from day-to-day. He further expressed concern at the fact that cases have been detected in places such as Government offices, shopping complexes, hospitals, et al.

Urging people in other parts of the state not to visit the city amid burgeoning cases, Hazarika said that a community spread has already been witnessed, as several persons without a travel history have tested positive. Hazarika said that the number of COVID cases is rising in the city because people "don't follow rules."

He further added that amid the dramatic spike in the number of cases in the city, cases have now been reported from the PWD Chief Engineer's office, banks, malls, as well as other places of significance across the city.

If people are to stop the outbreak from reaching the community outbreak stage, they should follow the rules that have been prescribed by the Government "strictly."

Warning that the economy and education sectors stand to lose a great deal if a total lockdown is once again clamped in every nook and corner of the city, Hazarika added that people not donning masks in a proper manner and adhering to the social distancing norms has posited a great challenge for the administration.

Adding that "strict action" will now be taken against those violating the norms, Hazarika admitted that Guwahati is indeed the worst-hit region in the state when it comes to a Covid-19 outbreak.

According to the Government figures, Assam has reported 6,056 cases of the Covid-19, out of which 2,282 cases are still active. 9 patients have died due to complications from the virus so far.

Also Watch: CONG-AIUDF WORKING TOGETHER FOR BTC ELECTIONS