COVID-19 Containment: Three GMC Wards Declared Containment Zones

STAFF REPORTER GUWAHATI:

GMC Containment Zones in Assam: The Kamrup (M) District Administration has prohibited any unauthorized entry and exit to and from Ward numbers 8, 16 and 28 of the GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) as the areas in these three wards have been declared containment zones.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday, Kamrup (M) Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu said, "The 31 wards under the GMC have been divided into six zones. There are also areas in Kamrup (M) district that fall outside the purview of the civic body. Such areas are Azara, Chandrapur and Sonapur.

"A benchmark has been set that wards with over 400 COVID-positive cases are declared containment zones. While Ward No 8 under Zone 1 has 415 COVID positive cases, Ward No 16 under Zone 6 has 509 positive cases and Ward No 28 under Zone 5 has 743 positive cases.

"While Ward No 28 comprises areas like Barsajai (part), Basistha Grant (part), Maidan (Part), Barmataria (part) and Hatigaon (part); Ward 16 comprises areas like Fatasil, Bhaskar Nagar, Barshapara, Dhirenpara (part) and Ward 8 comprises Bhutnath, Kumarpara, Muchkhowa and Athgaon (part).

"The high numbers of COVID positive cases have been detected in Zone 5 (2,190), Zone 1 (1,250) and Zone 3 (1,005). The COVID-19 positive count in Kamrup (M) from April 28 to May 4, 2021, is 9,021. In the past, one-week positivity rate in the certain GMC wards has crossed ten per cent."

According to the DC that all government and private offices, educational institutes and business establishments other than exempted categories will remain closed during the containment period.

There will be no restriction on the movement of officials engaged in emergency and essential services within the containment zone area.

Bank, insurance offices and ATMs will function normally by maintaining COVID-19 protocols. Grocery/milk/fruits shops will remain open from 8 am to 12 noon. Shopkeepers and customers shall have to maintain social distancing, to wear masks and hand gloves. Moreover, shop owners shall ensure six feet distance among customers and shall not allow more than five persons inside the shop. In addition, shop owners should compulsorily keep sanitisers and hand wash in their shops.

Medicine shops, veterinary clinics and animal feed shops are to be exempted from the restrictions.

Mobile vending for vegetables/fish and meat will be allowed in the containment zone area.

People with medical emergency purposes will be allowed for movement in and outside the containment zone area on the production of valid medical documents.

Home delivery of essential commodities including e-commerce will be allowed up to 6 pm.

Dealer of essential commodities will function up to 2 pm.

There will be no restriction in operating petrol pumps, LPG dealership, manufacturing units of essential commodities, telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting and cable services, IT and IT-enabled services, warehouses and cold storages.

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