The Majuli district administration in Upper Assam has launched a screening drive for those coming from outside the state with the help of locals.

These people are residents of places like Jengraimukh, Bhakatiduar, Kamalabari, Balichapori, Bongaon, Chilakola, Phuloni, Rangachahi, Salmora, Afolamukh, Kaniajan, Nayabazar, Guwal Gaon and Garmur, and work in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal, officials said.

A screening centre has been already set up at the tourist information centre at Kamalabari on the river island.

Deputy commissioner Bikram Koiri said around 188 people, who came from outside the state, have been screened at the centre.

He said isolation wards, with a total of 48 beds, have been set up in hospitals in the district, for coronavirus cases. He said a medical team has been deployed from March 12.

Residents of Jengraimukh have identified 70 people in the last couple of days, who came from outside the state, through Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana.

Jengraimukh resident Rajib Patir requested the district administration to set up a screening centre at Kherkatia bridge to examine those coming from outside.

Jail inmates

A total of 397 inmates of the Golaghat district jail at Bagarijeng were screened by a team from the Golaghat civil hospital on Saturday.

The team, led by Swaswata Baruah and Bhaskar Kheria, and assisted by pharmacist Dwipul Das and nurse Nirada Bora, also told the inmates about proper healthcare measures. Jail superintendent Munin Sarma was present.

Additional reporting by Sanjoy Hazarika in Bokakhat