"Stay at Home": Assam Icon Zubeen Resurfaces to Raise COVID-19 Alarm

Guwahati, March 24, 2020:

Addressing the public for the first time since he was taken ill via social media, Assam's musical sensation Zubeen Garg has appealed the people to stay in their houses keeping in view the threat posed by the coronavirus or COVID-19. Zubeen is currently in Mumbai, where he is recuperating after he was confined to NEMCARE Hospital in Guwahati for several days following a mystery illness.

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"In this situation, considering the dangerous situation the coronavirus has brought us to, it is time for us to be alert. Everyone should confine themselves to their houses; do not roam about, so that the virus does not spread and does not enter you", Zubeen said, stressing on the need for people to avoid mass gatherings and to confine themselves to their houses to avoid getting an infection.

"I know people are inconvenienced, we came to Mumbai for work, we are stuck here. From tomorrow, have heard that flights will be cancelled", Zubeen said, adding, "the Government is taking steps to save the people from the virus and the people should cooperate."

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"We will receive deliverance from this virus, regarding that I am hopeful", Zubeen said, before ending his transmission with the trademark "joi aai axom."

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already announced that the State will go into complete lockdown mode to deal with the imminent threat posed by the threat of the coronavirus of COVID-19.

Addressing the media earlier today, the Assam Health Minister said that from the lockdown will be imposed today at 6 pm till March 31 midnight.

“During the lockdown, grocery, pharmacies and petrol pumps will be open. Except these, all shops and services, educational institutions be it private or public will remain closed. Public cannot come out of their residences. Violation of this law, 6 months punishment in the intial phase”, the Minister added.

Meanwhile, NE India has hit panic mode after 23-year-old girl from Imphal West district of Manipur has been tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, thereby making it the first positive case in Manipur and in the entire NE.

While speaking with Inside Northeast, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Y Joykumar Singh said, “One case has been depicted as positive. So, now we are taking the possible precautions that are necessary.

He added, “She has come back from London. She was traveling to Imphal. Most likely she has come from Delhi. She came by Air Asia. So, we are now checking the flight manifesto of who all were passengers so that we trace them and see if anyone has developed the same infection or not.”

Manipur Government on Monday called for a complete lockdown till March 31. The State Government spokesperson Thongam Biswajit Singh announced that the State Cabinet took the decision to impose a total lockdown till March 31 next, citing it was decided upon as a precautionary measure against the outbreak of COVID-19 across the nation. However, essential services including grocery shops will be exempted from the lockdown.

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