* The State has been recording an average of 2,600 positive cases in the last 10 days
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Even though the positivity rate of COVID-19 has declined in the State, the static number of daily infection cases has worried the Health department. The State has been recording an average of 2,600 positive cases in the last 10 days.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the COVID scene is still fluid across the State despite taking all possible steps to flatten the infection curve. He added that there are still reasons to be worried, adding that the State cannot afford to become complacent.
Health & Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta said COVID-19 cases are now being registered in the rural areas. He further stated that though the positivity rate in Guwahati recently declined, positive cases are again increasing.
Mahanta also said that the Deputy Commissioners have been strictly instructed to declare 'micro containment zones' if there are incidences of fast increase of Corona-positive cases. He also said that 100 per cent testing and intensified vaccination drive must be carried out in those areas.
During the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed 200-bedded ICU (Intensive Care Unit) complex in GMCH (Gauhati Medical College and Hospital). The facility has 200 ICU beds, four dialysis beds, 80,000 litres liquid medical oxygen tank and fire detection and prevention system. It was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.
In the same programme, the Chief Minister also handed over appointment letters to 896 GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) personnel under the NHM (National Health Mission).
The Chief Minister also asked the Health Department to send two doctors and four nurses to each of the rural hospitals across the State to render medical treatment to the patients even in the far-flung areas.
He also said that the poor people in the interior areas should not be deprived of medical attention during this crucial time of pandemic.
The Chief Minister further asked the Health Department to intensify immunization programmes of the children and start the 'Indradhanush' mission for children and pregnant mothers who might have missed the anti-COVID inoculation.
The Health Minister pointed out that 36,000 children have been detected with COVID-19 in the State. While the majority of them have recovered, as many as 2,890 children are still undergoing treatment. Till June 30, 2021 the State has recorded 38 deaths among children.
"The majority of the deceased children had other co-morbidities. Since children are not yet vaccinated, parents must be extra cautious so that they do not become virus carriers for their kids," said the Health Minister. He added that COVID vaccination drive is being carried out as per vaccines does supplied by the Central Government. He admitted that there is shortage of vaccines in the State.