This story is from June 14, 2021

Assam: Covid curbs may soon be eased in some districts; travel ban likely to continue

Though the state government is likely to withdraw the Covid restrictions from several districts shortly, official sources said inter-district ban on passenger movement through roadways would most probably continue, at least till Assam’s positivity rate comes down to less than one percent.
Assam: Covid curbs may soon be eased in some districts; travel ban likely to continue
GUWAHATI: Though the state government is likely to withdraw the Covid restrictions from several districts shortly, official sources said inter-district ban on passenger movement through roadways would most probably continue, at least till Assam’s positivity rate comes down to less than one per cent.
An SOP is expected regarding the easing of curbs in select districts where fewer positive cases were detected in the last ten days.
“Inter-district travel may not be allowed immediately because such a decision can spoil the overall improved situation in the state,” a senior health department official said.
In high population districts, which are important commercial towns or transit hubs, a higher number of positive cases have been detected. Contrast this with neighbouring smaller districts that are at the bottom of the positive case tally.
Health officials are expecting the positivity rate to drop below one percent in the next ten days. But six districts, Cachar, Nagaon, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sonitpur, where the positivity rate is still high, is keeping them on their toes. Against the state average of about two percent positivity, the corresponding rate in these districts is hovering between three to four percent, said executive director at NHM, Assam, Dr Manoj Choudhury. “Improvement in the state’s Covid situation would depend on the situation in about six districts where higher positivity and more cases are being reported,” Choudhury told TOI.
“Deputy commissioners have been given power and responsibility to initiate measures to contain the virus spread. Based on the district-wise performance and response of the people in the respective districts, relaxations may be given. But it will also depend largely on the overall situation,” he said.
Even as the daily positivity rate of the state reduced to around two percent a couple of days ago, it again marginally went up to 2.52 percent on Monday. “The next ten days are going to be crucial. If the positive cases can be brought down in the six districts, Covid-related curbs may be relaxed to a great extent across Assam. Many people are still reluctant to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour in markets and other public places,” Choudhury observed. He expressed satisfaction that in smaller districts like South Salmara-Mancachar, West Karbi Anglong and Majuli, transmission within the community is almost nil.
Between June 4 and 13, the highest 3,231 people tested positive in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district here but that’s not the biggest concern due to the significant improvement in the state capital. The corresponding figures for Cachar (2,950), Tinsukia (2,314) and Dibrugarh (2,278) remain a worry because of delayed spread of the virus to these districts. Contrary to this, the hill district West Karbi Anglong recorded only 134 cases in 10 days, whereas Majuli saw 188 cases. Minority-inhabited South Salmara-Mancachar had 216 cases during the period.
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About the Author
Kangkan Kalita

Kangkan Kalita is a reporter with The Times of India and covers issues on health, education, stories of human interest while keeping a close watch on political developments and student movements. Reporting on environment and forest related issues and concerns of the northeast interest him equally.

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