Assam Sets Up 'Temporary Home Quarantine Camps' in Preparation for COVID-19

Guwahati, March 26, 2020:

Assam is preparing temporary camps meant for the purpose of home quarantine amid rising cases of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country.

State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that these quarantine camps will be for the immediate family members of those who test positive for COVID-19.

https://www.facebook.com/ne.inside/videos/1046723289035965/

“We are establishing large home quarantine camps at Sarusajai Stadium with a capacity of around 1000.  These camps will be ready in a week. After that, if, in a family any positive case emerges, then the other members of the family will be brought here. We have food and basic facilities like toilets and bathrooms are attached. We will keep them here in a close watch of doctors here itself so that in case of a positive case, we can straight away take them to the Hospital. Nearby, we are also taking an apartment in rent to accommodate doctors 200.” Informed the Health Minister.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Tripura to Airlift Protection Kits from Kolkata amid Lockdown

He also said that the facility is meant for the 700 people from Assam who are stuck in West Bengal’s Serampore and Bakshirhat. “We will try to shift this whole crowd to this place so that they can come and stay here. This is why we have come up with this plan of a huge home quarantine facility. There is another place nearby, which can accommodate 1000 people. Based on all the logistics, we will take the call. Once this is completed, we can think of another facility in Nehru Stadium,” he added.

The Assam Health Minister said that the department has had a discussion with the Mumbai-based L&T group to set up of a temporary hospital in the State. “We are discussing with the L&T and I am happy that all the legislators, Opposition members included, have extended their financial support if need arises,” said the Health Minister.

ALSO READ: Police Arrests Man for Spitting at Manipur Girl, Calling her Corona

Assam, in order to deal with the pandemic, has readied a training module meant for the final year students of medical, doctors and nurses. “We are preparing a taining module for the MBBS students who in 3-4 months will become doctors. This module will train them on coronavirus treatment. The nursing students who are also in the final phase of their studies will be trained so that we have enough medical staff. The private hospitals have also agreed to provide us help with staff,” he informed.

It may be mentioned here that Assam has not yet reported any positive case of COVID-19. Around 210 people have been tested so far. Sarma said, “We will travel to Silchar in sometime to assess the situation in the Barak Valley. We are discussing as to how to seal the Manipur and Mizoram COVID-19 cases.”

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.