Assam: Is Guwahati heading for another 2 weeks lockdown?

As per sources close to Inside Northeast, Guwahati, Assam might see another 2-week lockdown till 26th July. The following announcement might be made tomorrow at a press conference. Himanta Biswa Sarma has already announced that he will hold a press conference tomorrow at 4 pm.

In a meeting between Principal Secretary Health, District Administration and Police with Nagarik Samiti, the later Samiti demanded the lockdown to be extended to 26th. However, there are questions regarding who constitutes and represents the body to make such bold requests?

Meanwhile, Guwahati has been under since the last 2 weeks and with grocery shops opening on the seconds week among other relaxation. For the rest of the state, the lockdown has been on the weekends. Jorhat has already extended the lockdown due to rising corona cases in the town.

Earlier, keeping in view the rise in COVID-19 cases in Guwahati, the Assam Government has enforced complete lockdown with effect from June 28^th, 2020 midnight for 14 days. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this in a press conference in Guwahati today.

Also read: Himanta Biswa Sarma is the biggest Corona carrier, says AASU’s Lurinjyoti

Saying that the city has witnessed massive spike in the COVID-19 cases of late, the minister said, “The government is compelled to enforce the lockdown to contain the spread of the COVID-19; otherwise there is no option left.”

The lockdown will be enforced strictly for the first seven days where except the essential services nothing will remain open.

Talking about the rise in COVID-19 cases in the city, the minister, while saying that the city has only 890 hospital beds, said, “Around 48 to 49 percent confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported from Guwahati in the last few days. The situation would be out of control if the trend continues like this in the city.”

Besides, he said, “People are still not aware in the city. Uses of face masks and maintenance of social distancing were not observed in the city of late.”

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