Assam: Sarusajai gets first batch of coronavirus suspects

Prabin Kalita | TNN | Updated: Apr 4, 2020, 12:39 IST

Workers install beds at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati. The quarantine centre was set up for 600 pilgrims returning to the state

Workers install beds at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati. The quarantine centre was set up for 600 pil...Read More

GUWAHATI: The 700-bed makeshift quarantine centre set up at the Sarusajai Sports Complex received its first batch of people late on Thursday.
Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said 70 people, who might have come in contact with the people who attended the Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz, inclduing their family members, have been quarantined at the sports complex on Thursday night to prevent the further spread of the virus.
"I, along with minister of state Pijush Hazarika, was present at Sarusajai to ward off any fear among the people who have been placed under quarantine," Sarma said. He added, We have quarantined the people who came in contact with the four Covid-19 patients - three from Morigaon and one from Nalbari. Their swab samples have been collected and sent for testing."
Speaking on the coronavirus-positive man from Nalbari, Hazarika said, "The patient from Nalbari was staying at a mosque. Hence, 45 people from the area have been taken to to Sarusajai. I think around 70 people will be quarantined here tonight."
The state government had decided to set up the quarantine centre at Sarusajai to house more than 600 pilgirms of the state who were arriving from outside after the lockdown was enforced. The government has identified another stadium in the city to set up a quarantine centre that will be able to house around 1,000 people.