Assam: Recovery of used PPE kits in Jorhat triggers panic

At a time when the world has come to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, recovery of used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits along the roadsides or in the dustbins has raised another challenge for the government in Assam.

On May 24^th, 2020, a pair of used PPE kit along with hand gloves were recovered near a rail track at Nakachari in Jorhat district in upper Assam. This has created fear and irked the locals.

“Government cannot stop the spread of the novel coronavirus if people throw used PPE kits defying the Health Ministry and ICMR guidelines,” one of the locals said while condemning the ‘cheap’ incident.

Also read: Assam Reports 39 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, State Count Nears 500

He further urged the government and concerned authorities to take the matter seriously and take the initiative to prevent such acts.

Meanwhile, in a shocking video that went viral on social media, a mentally ill person was seen roaming on roads wearing used PPE kits near the Sarusajai Quarantine center here, on May 14^th, 2020, evening. He layered two PPE kits together and carried one while walking on the road. According to reports, the person had collected the PPE kits from a dustbin nearby the Sarusajai quarantine center.

This had created panic among the people around the area. Saying that this could spread infection more and more, a local urged the concerned authority to take appropriate actions in the matter.

Also read: Assam: 14 COVID-19 Positive Cases, State Tally Climbs To 392

It may be mentioned that the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) has infected a total of 466 people and claimed four lives in the state so far. Out of 466, 402 are active cases while 57 have been cured or discharged and three have been migrated.

The state witnessed massive spike since May 17th, 2020. After detecting the first confirmed case on March 31, Assam reached 100 cases on May 17 and thereafter within eight days, the state cross 400-mark. On May 23, 67 cases were reported in the state which was the highest single-day spike.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.