Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday stated the government has no plans to impose further lockdown or curfew in the state. However, the Health Department will emphasize on testing, tracing, and tracking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no possibility of further lockdown or night curfew in Assam. Our strategy will be on testing, tracing, and tracking,” said Himanta Biswa Sarma at a press meet in Guwahati on Thursday.
The state Health Minister urged the people of Assam to report to a nearby health centre if they find any COVID-19 symptoms. He also requested all the eligible persons to get vaccinated as vaccines are completely safe.
“There is a qualitative difference between this year and last year. Last year, our doctors were not vaccinated,” said Sarma.
Moreover, Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rubbished media reports about a possible lockdown during the Bihu festival in Assam. He stated that there are no such plans and Bihu will be celebrated with fanfare.
The minister also stated that Covid-19 testing will be intensified in the coming days to ensure a safe Bihu celebration.
“Nevertheless, no lockdown, Bihu will be celebrated with fanfare. We will conduct more tests so that we can celebrate our Bihu. Last year, the artists of Assam incurred huge financial losses as we couldn’t celebrate Bihu,” the minister added.
The Assam government will also issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Bihu celebration. And it is likely that Bihu functions will be restricted till 12 AM.
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