New SOP Makes COVID Test Mandatory for all Passengers Arriving in Assam via Airports and Railway Stations

GUWAHATI:

The government of Assam issued a new SOP pertaining to the incoming passengers to Assam through Airports and Railway Stations. 

The order, issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, notified that strict containment measures including continuous screening of incoming passengers through airports and railway stations are being conducted in the state of Assam to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.  

The order also stated that a few people entering the the state were found to be COVID-19 positive despite receiving two doses of the vaccine against the deadly infectious disease; thus, the previous order that allowed people who received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine to avoid mandatory testing upon arrival has been revoked with immediate effect. 

The Assam State government is likely to release the Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) on July 18. As per reports, New containment zones are likely to be declared in Guwahati along with curfew relaxation in Sonitpur District.

On the other hand, the Assam government is mulling on a new rule for providing licenses for home delivery of liquor by wine shops in Guwahati. If reports are believed to be true, then this could be implemented in the Guwahati in the next Standard Operating Protocol (SOP). 

Although people could be seen taking evening walks post the curfew timings in their respective localities, however, now the state government has asked the Kamrup (M) police to strictly implement COVID-19 protocols. This comes after the state health minister Keshab Mahanta reviewed in detail the Covid-19 situation in Kamrup (M) along with the NHM, Assam, and health department officials. 

Further, the minister added, "Ardent request to people, esply parents of children below 18 yrs, to not jeopardize their lives or their families by flouting the rules." 

Meanwhile, Assam on Thursday recorded 1,992 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the active caseload in the state to 19,120. In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 27 COVID-19 induced fatalities, taking the total death toll to 4,937. The total tally of COVID-19 cases in Assam now stands at 5,42,445. 

Also Read - Present SOP to Continue Till Sunday, New Containment Zones Likely to Come Up in Guwahati

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New SOP for incoming passengers through airports and railway stations in Assam.