Violation of COVID guidelines will invite action: ADGP G.P. Singh

GUWAHATI: Action will be taken against Bihu organizers if the COVID guidelines are violated, warned G.P. Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) here on Saturday.

Making this announcement in his Twitter handle, ADGP (L&O) Singh said, "Organizers of Bihu functions in Assam may please note that the functions should invariably end at 11 pm as per Government of Assam COVID guidelines." He added that the "Assam Police would take action in accordance with law for violation in this regard."

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority, Kamrup (M) has constituted a task force with circle officers of the respective revenue circle areas, assistant commissioners, ADCP from City Police, and officers from the GMC. The task force will monitor whether public follow the standing COVID-19 protocols in public places.

The Assam government has issued the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for the Rongali or Bohag Bihu celebrations by the organizers across the State on April 9.

Mentionably, the State Health and Family Welfare department notified the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in sync with COVID-appropriate behaviour for the Bohag Bihu, as well as Ramadan and Ram Navami.

The notification said that with the fresh spike of COVID-19 cases in many States, Assam has geared up its COVID management strategy and is taking up various need-based steps to contain the spread of COVID-19. The measures have been taken to ensure that people are able to celebrate their much-loved festivals with joy and gusto while simultaneously adhering to COVID 19 protocols.

The SOP makes the following steps mandatory:

* All organizers and volunteers of such events will have to test their COVID status three days before the event and after it.

* Wearing of masks is mandatory.

* Physical distance has to be maintained.

* All such events should be closed by 11 pm.

* The venue should have multiple entry and exit gates.

* Organizers must take measures to avoid crowd.

* All event sites should be spacious and be kept open on all sides.

* The venue has to be sanitized before the event and after it when the crowd leaves.

* Each and every participant has to be thermal screened before the entry to the function.

* Provisions for hand sanitizers have to be made at the gate and nearby areas, including the parking places.

* The organizers have to seek permission from the district administration concerned and mention the number of people likely to gather. They should also mention the capacity of the event site or venue.

Also Read: ASDMA Cracks the Whip, Kamrup DC Hold Emergency Meeting with Bihu Committees

Also watch: Assam 18th Worst Hit by COVID-19: Union Health Ministry