Is Assam planning a COVID-19 State Emergency amid resurgence of virus?

GUWAHATI: Assam's state government is mulling to suspend healthcare workers' leaves in view of the emergence of a second wave of COVID-19 infections across the country, official sources divulged to InsideNE.

According to our sources, the government is putting a strategy in place in case virus cases multiply over the next few months in Assam. This strategy reportedly includes a blueprint for another COVID-19 emergency in the state in cash push comes to shove.

"The government of Assam is already formulating a plan in case the virus infections show another spike -- for starters, the state's health machinery is mulling to suspend the leaves of all healthcare professionals. However, there has been no indication to suggest when another COVID-19 related emergency will be called," informed the source.

As per a report in a leading English daily in the state, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is apprehensive that Assam may face a spike in COVID- 19 cases after the elections to the State Assembly as huge political gatherings were witnessed across the state.

Moreover, COVID-19 related precautions -- such as the maintenance of social distancing as well as wearing of face covers has gone for a complete toss during the various parties' election campaigns.

ALSO READ: Hagrama reacts to Himanta accusation of link with Batha; here’s what he said

A lockdown, however, does not seem to be on the cards. Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was at the forefront of the battle against the deadly virus during the first outbreak, categorically ruled out imposing another lockdown in the ensuing months.

Sarma, who is on the campaign trail for the ongoing quinquennial Assembly elections, has also confirmed that no curbs will be imposed on Rongali Bihu celebrations in mid-April.

Rongali Bihu – also known as Bohag Bihu - was celebrated with restraints last year amid lockdown due to Covid-19.

In Assam, 10, 04,224 persons have been vaccinated till March 29 evening, of which 8, 70,902 persons received the first dose and the rest received the second dose.

What You Need to Know about the Second Wave of COVID-19 Infections in India:

On Monday, India reported 68,020 new infections, its biggest surge since October last year.

With this, the total cases in the country have now crossed the 12-million.

As many as ten states have started showing an upward trajectory as far as COVID-19 cases are concerned.

Somewhat worryingly, the cases have risen at nearly double the pace in the second wave of infections.

It took a mere 17 days for the cases to rise from 18,377 on March 11 to 50,518 on March 27 this year.

In Maharashtra, which has borne the brunt of the second wave, the positivity rate has breached the 21% mark.

Five states — Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh — cumulatively account for 80.17% of the total active cases.

Follow us on Facebook