While addressing a press meet on January 23, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma clearly stated that schools and colleges will continue to operate normally as COVID-19 cases in the state decline.
CM Sarma says, Omicron is normal now:
The CM said that hospitalisation rate of COVID-19 Cases in Assam is declining, as Low as 12% Currently. People have also considered the Omicron Variant as a New Normal. Hence, we don’t want to impose stringent Norms and Restrictions and schools and colleges will operate on a normal basis.” Local Containment Zones will be proclaimed if any COVID-19 cases are discovered. The Chief Minister went on to say that such areas would be shut down for seven days.
He further said, night Curfew timing in Assam will be delayed to 11:00 PM again, starting from February 1. Currently, the Night Curfew is imposed from 10:00 PM.
Government issues new SOP:
Earlier, one day prior to the press meet, the Government came up with new SOP which banned all cultural programmes, award functions and participation of school children for the Republic Day celebrations.
Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua said the Republic Day programme will be limited to National Flag hoisting, speech by the guest of honour and ceremonial parade only.
About the order:
“Republic Day programme will be limited to National Flag hoisting, speech by the guest of honour and ceremonial parade only. Other activities like cultural programmes, award, prize distribution are to be avoided. The gathering for the Republic Day programme may be limited to a maximum of 1,000 for state function and 200 for any other distribution are to be avoided,” the order stated.
It further said, “Pre and Post Republic Day programme may be avoided in view of the prevailing COVID function in Kamrup (Metro) district, 500 for district level situation in the state. There shall be no involvement of school children in ceremonial parade or march past. Only trained police, security personnel and Homeguards who are fully vaccinated shall be allowed to participate in the ceremonial parade and march past.”
Current scenario:
Assam had reported 6,897 new cases and 15 deaths on January 21. There are 45,021 active cases, while the positivity rate stands at 12.13 per cent.
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