Ready for Quarantine Without a Single Covid-19 Case, Assam Shows Us How It’s Done

As India spent the second day of the 21-day lockdown, state authorities are beginning to take provisions to contain the spread of Covid-19. While ministers have announced financial aid and are doing their best to spread awareness among their constituents, the Government of Assam has gone a step ahead to establish quarantine centres for treatment.

Currently being set-up at the Sarusojai Sports Complex, Guwahati, with a capacity for about 700 people with separate rooms, the isolation facility will be ready within a week, according to Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s tweet from earlier today.

#IndiaFightsCorona

A large quarantine centre will be established at the Sarusojai Sports Complex, Guwahati with capacity for about 700 people. This morning visited the site to take stock of preparedness and the facility. It shall be ready in a week's time. pic.twitter.com/bolVMafOsE

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 26, 2020

The state government will also rent an apartment complex close to the facility to accommodate at least 200 doctors. Another centre is likely to be established at the multi-purpose Nehru Stadium. These announcements were made by Sarma after inspecting the preparations to tackle Covid-19 at Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH).

Following the news of two positive cases in the northeast, Manipur and Mizoram, that Assam shares its borders with, the officials have since implemented strict laws and measures to combat the virus. Although Assam is yet to report a positive case, netizens are lauding Sarma and his government for their speedy precautionary measures.

User Shyamkanu Mahanta, proud of the state’s proactive step in this grim situation, tweeted “Assam’s healthcare can be a benchmark for many other states of India in terms of Corona preparedness.”

This is an extremely proactive step. Speaks volume about your foresightedness. Assam's healthcare can be a benchmark for many other states of India in terms of Corona preparedness. Hopefully, we don't leave our guard and keep this on war footing in the coming days. Kudos.

— Shyamkanu Mahanta (@skmahanta2013) March 26, 2020

Seeing this as a resource that can aid other states if needed, Pranjal Bordoloi requests Sarma to also get the armed forces onboard for “additional manpower or Skills required”.

Great effort. This facility can also be used if other states run out resources. Better prepared 4 any eventuality. It's my request dada, kindly rope in ARMY, AIR FORCE & other CAPF in case additional manpower or Skills required. cc @CMOfficeAssam @BorahBedabrata @SamujjalBhatta

— Pranjal Bordoloi (@bordoloi1984) March 26, 2020

Satya cheers on the government for their early preparations for the worst, that only sees Assam coming out successful when the moment arrives.

Good way to have preparedness…. Covid 19 is going to have some impact everywhere. So we can be able to face the worst and come out successful. Hats off, Dada!

— Satya (@satyabrs) March 26, 2020

Complying with the centre’s demand to dedicate some hospitals only to quarantine and attend to the infected patients, a 200-bed hospital in Sonapur has also been sanitised and converted into a facility to aid the same. The Chabua-based Tata Referral Hospital has already been handed over to the health authorities by its management to run corona-specific treatments.

People entering Assam from other states or abroad are also being stamped and made to undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Those failing to oblige will be charged, according to police officials quoted in NDTV.

For those willing to contribute to the state’s efforts, an account number for Assam Arogya Nidhi has also been shared with the public to aid with funds.

Govt of Assam has been taking every step possible to safeguard health of people in wake of #COVID2019 outbreak. In this hour, every help adds to our strength. Should you wish to contribute, you may do so:

Assam Arogya Nidhi, A/c No. 32124810101, SBI, IFSC Code: SBIN0010755

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 26, 2020

Sarma has also said that the 700 MBBS final-year students, who were to graduate in 2-3 months, alongside 2,000 nursing final-year students, will be provided a training module to make them familiar with handling coronavirus cases. In areas with no medical colleges, the Assam government plans to set up isolation camps for the people.