Discouraging social gatherings for the next couple of days, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has urged all citizens of the state to stay indoors not only during the “janata curfew” called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, but also in the days ahead.
Modi had urged people not to move out of their homes from 7am to 9pm on Sunday which he termed “janata curfew” to break the chain of coronavirus pandemic.
In a video message on Saturday, Sonowal said: “Let us join hands and do the needful. At this crucial time, let all engage in doing our own bit for the safety of oneself and for the greater interest of society. Let us stay inside not only on Sunday, but also in the days ahead. Everyone needs to try to stay indoors as much as they can. If not necessary, everyone needs to stay away from all kinds of social gatherings.”
He also asked all to take the help of the nearest medical department officials if they found anyone with symptoms or feel unwell themselves. Like Modi, he urged everyone to clap, blow conch shells or beat a drum at 5pm on Sunday to express gratitude to medical workers and those in the essential services. “It is not the time to be panicky but to be conscious and responsible,” he added.
Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner Biswajit Pegu told The Telegraph: “Though it is ‘janata curfew’, Section 144 will not be imposed. We want people to voluntarily observe safety and stay indoors. Those who have any kind of medical need, funerals or any other emergency occasions, can carry on with their scheduled programmes.”
Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital and the Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital and evaluated preparedness to deal with Covid-19, including emergency facilities. “I inspected the screening process, and also got myself screened. I am pleased to see the preparations. Request all to help us in this drive,” tweeted Sarma after reaching Dibrugarh.
Assam police extended their helping hands to those who have been living outside the state.
Additional director-general of police (law and order) G.P. Singh, in a communiqué on social media, said, “People of Assam, settled in different parts of the country or abroad, who have older relatives or parents living without any support in Assam can contact us through social media or email at osm-cyberdome@assampolice.gov.for support.”
State police have also shared a WhatsApp number (+919132699735) for public assistance.
In a 29-minute address to the nation on Thursday, Modi also said the pandemic posed a “bada sankat (big crisis)” and announced the formation of a “Covid-19 economic task force”
