Assam HSLC, HS exams may be deferred if daily COVID caseload surpasses 1000 in Ghy; schools to be closed

GUWAHATI: The Assam government will order closure of educational institutions in Guwahati and defer HSLC and Higher Secondary (HS) examinations if the daily caseload of COVID-19 positive surpasses the 1000 mark in Kamrup (Metro) district.

This was stated by state health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after a review meeting here this afternoon.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, the minister, however, asked the students to keep preparing for the examinations because the government would try to hold the examinations as far as possible.

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“If the COVID situation continues to be critical, examinations will automatically get deferred. The decision will, however, be taken only after May 2. We will take into account the caseload as on May 2,” Sarma said.

The district has 742 active cases as on Tuesday.

The minister also announced that the travelers from outside the state, including those from the state who return from other parts of the country, will have to undergo compulsory COVID-19 test and home quarantine of seven days on arrival. Those who will have to quarantined in hotels will have to bear the cost themselves.

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“Government officials and those traveling for medical reasons, and people with bereavement cases shall be exempted," he added.

He said the number of COVID testing centres in the city will be increased to 60 to cater to every ward of Guwahati. Further, the minister said the number of vaccinations centres will also be increased.

“We are going to procure 2 crore (1 crore each from Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech) doses of COVID vaccines with funds from the Assam Arogya Nidhi very soon. Order has already been placed with Bharat Biotech,” he said about the vaccination scenario.

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Sarma further said the government was going to start a 100-bed COVID hospital at College of Veterinary Science Ground here soon. Besides, the number of intensive care unit beds at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital will be increased to 81 and there will be 24 at Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital here.