Guwahati braces for ward-wise lockdown as community transmission fear looms

As mentioned in the last press conference regarding the 50,000 samples to be collected from 12 screening centres in Guwahati. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa gave the updated report on the situation. He states that on an average of 400 to 500 tests are being done in these centres where people have voluntary come up for testing. As such from these centres, 114 positive cases have come up. This shows Guwahati's critical condition.

Overall 144 patients in Guwahati without travel history and these indicate the spread of the virus in the city. 36 cases are from containment zones. If per day, more than 200 cases come in Guwahati, it would be different than 200 cases for the whole state and in turn be problematic. A common point of concern in Guwahati is Fancy Bazar connection. Another affected areas are 6 wards of the city who are in critical condition. They include war: 2,3,4,5,10,15,16. The Police Station with cases recorded in area - Jalukbari (31), Fatasil Ambari - (69), Bharalumukh - (51), Panbazar - (25)

Strategies

A ward wise lockdown in Guwahati whenever necessary to flatten the curve is proposed by the govt. That would be "not just a narrow but bigger containment zone" sort of a lockdown. When cases increase in the wards, the total lockdown decision in the wards will be taken by Kamrup District Metro.

The voluntary screening centre will be extended further as people are hesitant to come to GMC and MMC. 31 screening centres will be set up in school and along with GMC and MMC, it will increase the screening to 33 centres.

Also read: Assam: 331 cases in single day, count soars to 5586

Trunat machine will be installed in these centres so that the results can be given at the instant and centres will have medicos and other healthcare professionals. The sample collection will start from tomorrow.

With fewer people returning after 22nd June, quarantine centres will be converted into hospitals.

Further concerns

The state Health Minister uses the term "social transmission" with rising none travel history cases. He further states that "Guwahati situation is looking not that good and a campaign is needed for social distancing". He also maintains that situation will worsen if things are not kept under control and the need is to keep it intact up to 31st August, after which better treatments will facilitate ease.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.