Digital Desk: The Assam government lifted all covid-19 restrictions in the state from today (February 15), making it the first state in the country to do so. Reportedly, the ban on mandatory covid-19 testing at airports, train stations, and hospitals has been lifted. In addition, the night curfew has also been lifted.
"GoA shall withdraw all Covid-19 compulsory testing facilities at airports, railway stations and hospitals wef February 15. Also, all restrictions incl night curfew, social-religious gatherings including other curbs shall stand withdrawn. Detailed notification on February 14," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the Assam government has announced that covid-19 restrictions and all the mandatory covid-19 tests at airports, railway stations, and hospitals will end, but those with symptoms can still choose for voluntary testing.
According to an order issued on Monday, Assam Health & Family Welfare, Principal Secretary Anurag Goel, said that the covid-19 positive rate in the state and country is rapidly dropping.
"Mandatory covid test at airports, railway stations, and road border points, etc, shall be lifted. Symptomatic patients, on the other hand, are encouraged to test for covid-19 for diagnostic purposes at any recognized testing institution." he stated.
Moreover, compulsory testing for any patient seeking care in a hospital would be lifted. The relaxations will take effect on Tuesday and will be reviewed in the future in light of changing circumstances.
To prevent the virus from spreading, Assam is currently implementing tight containment measures, including passenger screening at airports, railway stations, and road entry points.
The order also said that the number of fully vaccinated persons in India had increased significantly, and the central government has granted several exemptions in light of the declining coronavirus cases.
The number of new Covid-19 cases in Assam fell by over 54% in a day on Sunday, with 79 more people testing positive with the virus, while four people died due to covid-19, according to the National Health Mission (NHM).
The state's covid-19 positive rate rose to 0.83 percent after 9,533 samples were analyzed. On Saturday, Assam had registered 172 cases out of 24,647 samples tested.
With 7,23,495 total covid-19 cases in the state, the overall positivity rate is 2.56 percent, against 2,82,06,932 samples so far, as per NHM.
Continue Reading
