COVID-19 curve on the way to flatten: Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Positivity rate touches 1.8 per cent, State cases 1,96,786, Active 28,897, Discharged 1,67,056, Death 830

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Health & Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that the COVID-19 curve in Assam is on the way to flatten with constant fall in the positivity rate of coronavirus cases.

Addressing a press conference at Janata Bhawan here on Tuesday Sarma said that the COVID positivity rate came down to 5.8 per cent on October 4 from a high of 9 per cent in September. He also said that there had been a constant decline in the positivity rate for the last one week and it reached a low of 1.8 per cent on Monday.

Sarma further said that the absolute number of new COVID-positive cases has also been falling, while the recovery ratio is currently at over 85 per cent. He added that the Monday's lowest-ever positivity rate (1.4%) was recorded against more than 1 lakh tests conducted on the same day.

"Barring Sunday, the Health department is conducting nearly 30,000 tests every day. The positivity rate as against 30,000 tests is below 4 per cent; and it is further declining. If the people of Assam remain vigilant in the coming days especially during the Durga Puja and the COVID-positivity rate doesn't increase further after the puja, we could say that the pandemic curve has flattened in the State for the first time," said the Minister.

Sarma attributed the massive testing to the present declining trend of COVID-positivity rate. He said that nearly 40 lakh samples have been tested across the State and the total tests conducted against per million of population are 1.14 lakh. While 10 per cent of the total population in Assam has undergone COVID-19 tests, 6 lakh out of 10 lakh population in Guwahati have been tested, he pointed out.

"Assam is one of the few States in the country which have conducted such massive testing. Different layers of isolation for persons infected with COVID-19 virus, persons who have symptoms, those who have chances of developing symptoms and asymptomatic persons have also resulted in decline in positive cases in the State. Such kind of isolation has not taken place in other States. The people have also become aware and gathered knowledge as ways to save themselves and others from getting infected with the virus. To remain safe, knowledge about the virus is more important than vaccines. Since we will continue our testing, the second wave of possible infection in the State could be averted much in advance," Sarma said.

The Health Minister also said the Centre has corresponded with the State to carry out a COVID-19 vaccination drive between January and July in 2021. He said that the frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first phase.

On the other hand, the Health department has issued SOPs regarding celebration of the upcoming Durga Puja by following all the COVID-safety protocols. The puja pandals should be maintain social distancing and also have adequate space. Only 50 persons will be allowed to stay inside the pandals at a time. The puja committee cannot organize any cultural function and competition. 'Arati' performance will, however, be allowed. On the day of Panchami, the pujaris (priests), volunteers and members of organizing committees will undergo COVID-19 tests. They will again undergo the tests after immersion of the Durga idols.

Sarma further said that during the puja days, pillion riding will be banned. Women and children will, however, be allowed to travel on two-wheelers. While the Durga puja pandals will be closed by 10 pm, the restaurants will down their shutters by 9 pm.