Guwahati: With states now banned from imposing local lockdowns, Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said he has no other option now but to start a mass awareness campaign on masks and social distancing even as he expressed concern over a possible scarcity of oxygen in the state.
Speaking at a press meet in Guwahati Friday, Sarma said, “As per Centre’s recent directive, no state can impose local lockdowns outside containment zones on their own. So, we do not have much option, but to stress on the need to wear masks and maintain social distancing.”
He said this while noting that the oxygen consumption by both Covid-positive and other patients might soon exceed the production capacity in the state.
His comments came a day after a division bench of the Gauhati High Court showed concern over the rise in Covid-19 cases in Assam and violation of health and safety guidelines on streets.
In its order, the bench comprising Chief Justice Ajay Lamba and Justice Manish Choudhury directed the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to act tough on violators. It said “anybody violating instructions on use of face cover would be punished”.
The court added that it passed the order keeping in view that “the hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 positive patients. The oxygen is already in short supply in the hospitals. The Government is spending from its limited resources and coffers”.
Sarma said the government will implement the division bench judgment strictly.
The state will now impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on anyone found not wearing a mask.
Weekend lockdown and night curfew have been lifted , however, please adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols to keep yourself and others around you safe.@CMOfficeAssam @himantabiswa @assampolice
— Kumar Sanjay Krishna (@KrSanjayKrishna) September 4, 2020
As of Friday, Assam has registered 1,18,333 positive cases, with 27,303 still active. The state has recorded 330 deaths so far.
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Cases have increased, admits minister
Speaking at the press meet, Sarma admitted that there has been a jump in Covid cases, adding that a number of recovered patients are also suffering from post-Covid complications.
“We are registering over 3,000 cases on a daily basis now and if this trend continues throughout September, we will have 90,000 (active) cases and that will be a disaster. We have to ensure it does not happen,” he said, adding that Guwahati alone recorded 900 cases Wednesday.
The state has seen a spike in cases in Kamrup Metro, Kamrup Rural, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Barak Valley districts. However, Sivasagar and Charaideo districts in Upper Assam have registered a decline or plateau in cases.
“Post-Covid complications in recovered patients has also increased, which is not good,” said Sarma.
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On oxygen scarcity and lockdown
Highlighting a possible scarcity in oxygen supply due to increased consumption, Sarma expressed concern over lack of options given the Centre’s directive.
At present, 433 patients in Assam are on oxygen support, and 126 others are under treatment at intensive care units, including members of the Assam legislative assembly and journalists.
“The consumption of oxygen has increased to 8.25 metric tonne from 5 metric tonne per day in August. Both Covid and non-Covid patients with emergencies have consumed 25 metric tonne of oxygen till date. The oxygen production in Assam is 37.86 metric tonne. What if I am not able to meet with the requirement of oxygen tomorrow?” asked Sarma.
“I am not in favour of a lockdown as livelihood is equally important. But if we run short of oxygen, how will we manage? I can only request people to wear masks, get tested and maintain social distancing,” he said.
Talking about awareness campaign, the minister said he will start a mass awareness campaign in the city to educate people about the continuing need for personal practices to stay safe.
He added that the state would involve the National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme members to spread awareness on proper implementation of guidelines.
While asking people to adhere to Covid19 protocols, Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna announced Friday that the weekend lockdown and night curfew have been lifted.
Assam Police asks citizens to fulfil social responsibility
In view of the court’s order, a senior police official told ThePrint the only tough action he is left with is the “use of force”, which is not justifiable. He urged the citizens to fulfil their social responsibility.
“We have been imposing fines as per rules. Courts have imposed serious restrictions on arrest leading to jail due to Covid. The only tough action left is ‘use of force’, which to my mind is not justifiable in a pandemic that is largely a social issue,” said Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) G.P. Singh.
“It is more about the individual social responsibility of a citizen. A large number of cops who tested positive for Covid-19 are those who came in contact with public while implementing the Covid protocols. This includes the DGP, half a dozen IGs/DIGs, about fifteen SPs, at least 50 OCs/ICs across the state – most of it because of public exposure,” he added.
So far, 3,926 Assam Police personnel have tested Covid-positive. Of this, 3,447 recovered while 16 have lost their lives.
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