Spike in Guwahati coronavirus rate; State cases 1,11,724

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Health department has once again sounded an alarm in the State's capital city after the COVID-19 positivity rate jumped from 5 per cent to 12 per cent.

Sources in the Health department said that even though the positivity rate went down to 5 per cent in the city during the middle of August, there is a spike in positive cases in the last few days. The prime reason for such spike is non-wearing of masks and violation of social distancing norms in different parts of the city.

"The development has indicated a danger ahead. If COVID-19 safety protocols are not maintained by city residents, the positivity rate will see further sharp rise. It is high time for Guwahatians to maintain utmost caution to avert a health disaster," the source said.

The first COVID-19 positive case was detected in March 31. The positive cases touched 1.09 lakh till August 31. The State recorded 3266 positive cases on Monday.

On other hand, the State Health & Family Welfare Department and the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam has so far released Rs 1,99,72,20,000 to various districts for upgrading of the existing hospitals, maintenance of screening centres/quarantine centre, institutional and hostel stays, ensuing home quarantine through various methods, management of COVID care centres and various other works relating to COVID-19 management.

Sources said that the Assam Government and the NHM has so far received Central Government funds of Rs 72,73,00,000 for the financial year 2019-20 and Rs119,10,00,000 from the Centre and Rs 4,99,00,000 from the DONER Ministry, totalling to Rs 196,82,00,000.

Also Watch: Elephant Found Dead in Margherita