40-year-old from Nagaon dies of COVID-19; Assam toll reaches 15

Guwahati: The COVID-19 toll in Assam on Tuesday rose to 15 after a 40-year-old hailing from Koliabor in Nagaon passed away in the morning after a brief battle with the respiratory illness.

"Very sad to inform that another COVID-19 positive patient Sri Dhadaram Mura (40) of Koliabor, Nagaon admitted in GMCH Covid ICU on July 1, succumbed to the infection today at 9 am. He was on invasive ventilation; had severe pneumonia and septic shock. My condolences to Mura family", Assam finance and health minister wrote on Twitter.

Mr. Mura's demise has come to the fore at a time when the state is witnessing a steady and alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. The situation in Assam has grown rather alarming in recent times, with the cases rising at a rapid rate amid whispers of a community spread. Yesterday alone, 786 new COVID-19 cases were detected in Assam, with 598 cases from Guwahati city -- which has rapidly emerged as the new epicenter of the viral disease in the state.

Meanwhile, as a result of the Government's resolve to push up the number of tests to isolate the cases of the virus, Assam is nearing the 5 lakh test mark. As on June 6, the state Government's machinery has been able to conduct 471,221 tests. "Our testing figures reached 471,221 today. Together we have to win this battle and targeted tracking & testing form the core of our strategy. Do support our incredibly committed teams, out day and night for testing", Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in a tweet, announcing the development.

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