Two medical teams, deployed to check those entering the country through the India-Bangladesh international border in South Assam’s Karimganj district, on Saturday said no suspected coronavirus case has been reported so far.

A large number of people from Bangladesh enter India through Suterkandi and Steamerghat point of Karimganj every day. The district administration issued strict instructions to health officials to conduct check-ups. Karimganj deputy commissioner Anbamuthan MP said the medical teams have been instructed to identify and isolate those suffering from cough, running nose, fever and breathing problems.

The administrations of Karimganj, Cachar and Hailakandi districts of Barak Valley in south Assam have urged individuals and organisations to postpone all public meetings and gatherings to avoid the virus’s spread. Joint director of health services of Karimganj district Anup Kumar Daityari said the medical surveillance team under the integrated disease surveillance project, headed by epidemiologist Sumit Roy, is also conducting awareness and health check-up camps across the district.

District media expert Gulbahar Raj said a separate ward has been opened in Karimganj civil hospital.

A Suterkandi resident, Abdul Haque, said they fear the spread of virus as Suterkandi has international trade centre and people from Bangladesh frequently visit the place for business.

A Hailakandi-based advocate, Kamal Hussain Choudhury, who went to Guwahati on Saturday via Silchar’s Kumbhirgram airport alleged that he was not asked to undergo any medical check-up in Silchar and Guwahati airports. “Only few masked Central Industrial Security Force personnel conducted routine security check-ups. No flight crew wore mask,” he added.

The Cachar district administration banned the sale of chopped fruits, fish, meat and vegetables and semi-cooked food in open markets.

The Hailakandi administration promulgated Section 144 CrPC ahead of Holi and banned celebrations. The order shall come into force with effect from Sunday and shall remain in force till March 12.