Tough time for State till June 15: Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

COVID CASES RISING

Four repatriation flights from Ukraine, Moscow, Philippines and Kuwait to land in Guwahati airport

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Health & Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday, said Assam will face a tough time in terms of spike in COVID-19 positive patients till June 15 due to arrival of the maximum number of people from outside the State. The total number of COVID patients has reached 666 with 597 active cases on Tuesday.

Sarma said that of the 2 lakh registered people of Assam stranded in different parts of the country, one lakh have already reached the State. He said the others are expected to arrive by June 15.

Refuting reports that coronavirus is spreading in quarantine centres, Sarma said that swabs of those coming from outside are being collected before they are sent to institutional quarantine.

"We are emphasizing on ruthless quarantine so that there is no community spread of COVID in the State. If we can manage the situation till June 15, the State will be saved from community spread of coronavirus. So, I request everyone to strictly follow the quarantine norms," the Minister said.

Admitting that there have been protests at certain quarantine facilities, Sarma urged the people to maintain social distance even during their protests.

On other hand, Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna has informed that four repatriation flights are expected to land in Guwahati airport between May 27 and June 5. The flights scheduled to arrive next week are from Ukraine, Moscow, Philippines and Kuwait. 

Also Read: Assam COVID-19 Cases Rise to 666; Twenty-Three more test Positive