Guwahati COVID-19 cases improves; Rate of positive cases decreasing since lockdown

The rate of positive cases in Guwahati has come down from 30% before lockdown to 16% as of date, claimed State Health

* Rate of positive cases decreasing since lockdown

* After Pandu, mass testing will be done

in wards 15 and 16 besides Fancy Bazar

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The rate of positive cases in Guwahati has come down from 30% before lockdown to 16% as of date, claimed State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here today. He added, "Altogether 700 persons voluntarily gave their samples in the 31 COVID Scanning Centres across the city on Tuesday. These people went to the COVID Scanning Centres as they suffered from symptoms linked to coronavirus. Of them, 120 were found to be positive. It means, the rate of positive cases in Guwahati is around 16%. But it was 30% before lockdown."

He further said, "It's a good sign that the rate of COVID-19 positive cases among people having symptoms has come down. Tuesday's data show that the situation across Guwahati has slightly improved following the lockdown period. If this trend continues and the residents of the city also strictly follow the lockdown norms, then the people here should get good news in the days to come."

On the mass testing at ward number-2 (Pandu area), he said, "We'll carry out rapid testing house-to-house in this area for three days. Till Tuesday evening, 233 samples were collected here. Of these, seven have been found to be positive. Therefore, the COVID infection rate at community level in Pandu is below 5% up till now. We had earlier identified this ward as a hotbed of coronavirus. However, the first day's initial results show improvement."

On the possibility of lockdown getting extended in the premier city of the region, Minister Sarma said, "After Pandu, house-to-house mass testing will be done in wards 15 and 16 besides the Fancy Bazar area. Within July 10, we hope to get an overall picture of community transmission of coronavirus in the city. After that the four legislators of the city will discuss the issue with the public. The next phase of our decisions will be according to their suggestions.

"But, personally I don't want the lockdown o continue as such a step hinders livelihood of the masses."

The ongoing 14-day lockdown will continue till July 12.

Also Watch: Rs 1.30 Lakh Fine Collected For Lockdown Violations in Kokrajhar

Covid-19