Assam govt mulls ‘ward-wise lockdown’ in Guwahati amid rise in COVID-19 cases

With the increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in Guwahati, the Assam government is mulling to impose ‘ward-wise lockdown’ in the city.

The health department has suggested ‘ward-wise total lockdown’ in the city after several areas have emerged as hotspots.

Sarma added that wherever cases rise, lockdown should be imposed in those wards. He said that the decision has to be taken by the Kamrup (M) district administration.

Addressing a press meet in Guwahati on Monday, State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the health department has recommended the administration to impose ward-wise total lockdown for 7 days. It could be later extended to 14 days.

“Entire ward should be kept under lockdown initially for a period of 7 days. If it is necessary then it can be extended to another 7 days,” Sarma said.

He mentioned that ward no. 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 and 16 have become hotspots of COVID-19 in the city.

“We have recommended not a narrow containment zone, we have recommended a bigger containment zone,” Sarma added.

The health minister has further cautioned the residents saying that COVID-19 situation in the city has become alarming. He urged people to ensure social distancing and wear masks.

After June 15, 144 cases with no travel history have been detected in Guwahati.

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On Sunday, Assam saw the highest spike of COVID-19 cases in a single day with 331 people testing positive for coronavirus. The state’s tally of positive cases has reached 5,586, 9 deaths and over 3,000 have recovered.