Covid-19 cases rising, Guwahati to shut down from Sunday midnight

GUWAHATI: Following a sudden spike in the number of Covid-19 positive cases without travel history in the community in Guwahati in last few days, Assam government today ordered 14 days complete lockdown in Kamrup (metro) district, which encompasses Guwahati city, from Sunday midnight.
“To prevent a similar situation in other districts, weekend lockdowns (Saturdays and Sundays) in all urban centres of the state will be imposed from this Saturday till we flatten the pandemic curve. There will be no lockdown in rural areas,” Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
“But, there will be night curfew across the state from 7pm to 7am instead of the current timing of 9pm to 9am, from today,” Sarma said.
Sarma said that the positive cases in Guwahati are increasing at a fast pace voluntary tests and targeted surveillance in Guwahati since June 15 has brought out 677 positive cases without travel history till June 25.
“It is a tough decision and a painful one to save lives, but we had no options in our hands,” Sarma said.
He said grocery shops and vegetable shops and markets have not been exempted. “Only pharmacies will be allowed to open. This is going to be a strict lockdown. We will review the situation after seven days and if there is improvement, we might bring in some relaxation then,” Sarma said.
He said that inbound and outbound passengers by trains and flights will be allowed to travel by producing their travel tickets as passes. Banks will function with skeletal staff and ATMs will remain open. “Other essential services like water, power, milk supplies and newspaper distribution are also allowed,” Sarma said.
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