COVID-19 Heading in Dreaded Direction in Assam, Positivity rate Rising Fast: Jishnu Barua

COVID-19 Heading to Dangerous Level: Issuing stringent guidelines to control COVID-19 in the State, Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua said on Wednesday that if such measures aren't taken now, the situation will deteriorate further and go beyond control.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday, the Chief Secretary said, "The COVID-19 situation is heading in the dreaded direction. The positivity rate in the State is rising fast. That has prompted us to take a few harsh measures that may affect a section of people. An economic package for this section of people is under consideration. Already a committee has formed to look into the matter."

Today's guidelines are meant for urban and peri-urban areas within a five-km radius from the periphery of municipal corporations, municipal boards, revenue towns etc. These guidelines will be effective from May 13, 2021.

According to the new guidelines, in urban and peri-urban areas all shops and other business establishments will remain closed from 1 pm, besides the total ban on individual movement from 2 pm to 5 am.

In rural areas, the existing guidelines will stay. All shops and other commercial establishments will remain closed from 2 pm and restrictions on the individual movement of people will be from 6 pm.

State DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, who was also present at the press briefing, said, "There won't be any compromise in the implementation of these guidelines. Serious actions will be taken against those violating the guidelines. The policy of zero tolerance to violation of guidelines will be adopted in all containment zones. Attempt to murder cases will be filed against those who organize functions leading to gatherings clandestinely."

New COVID-19 SOP Guidelines in Assam

New guidelines from today; shops closed from 1 pm; ban on public movement from 2 pm.

1. All shops and commercial establishments shall shut down at 1 pm on all days.

2. Weekly haats/bazaars shall not be allowed for 15 days.

3. All educational Institutions including schools/colleges/universities must provide quality virtual options. No physical classes shall be allowed for 15 days.

4. All offices both Government and Non-Government shall shut down for 15 days.

5. Government/semi-government officers in the rank of Deputy Secretary and above and senior executives in Non-Government sector along with their key support staff will be allowed to attend office up to 1 pm only for emergency and essential works.

However, restrictions given in numbers 4 and 5 above will not be applicable for organisations rendering essential/emergency services, law enforcement services and election work.

6. In case the test positivity of COVID-19 in any area reaches 5% or more in the last week, District Magistrate will notify such areas as containment zones and ensure necessary containment measures for COVID-19.

7. Marriages and religious functions will be only private affairs and be allowed with the presence of a maximum of 10 persons. No reception parties will be allowed post or pre-marriage.

8. Funeral/last rites related gatherings shall not be more than 10 persons.

9. All religious places shall remain closed for 15 days. However, the religious head of a religious place or his representative may perform minimal religious rituals/prayers during this period of closure.

10. All public transport will be allowed to operate only up to 30% of seating capacity.

11. Auto rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and taxis shall operate with one driver and two passengers.

12. Pillion riding will be prohibited in two-wheelers, except with women and children.

13. All vehicles other than government vehicles will be allowed to ply following an odd-even formula to be decided by the jurisdictional District Disaster Management Authority between 5 am and 2 pm.

14. There shall be a total ban on the movement of individuals from 2 pm to 5 am daily, except for exemptions specified in Order No. ASDMA.28/2021/63 dated 4th May 2021.

15. In respect of areas not covered by this order, the regulations given vide order No. ASDMA.28/2021/63 dated 4th May 2021 shall remain in force.

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