Assam: Worsening air quality in Guwahati cause for worry for COVID patients

Guwahati: With prospects of a winter boom in COVID infections looming large, Guwahati residents are once again starting to worry with the air quality in the city starting to degrade after the resumption of regular economic activities. The AQI in Guwahati has now risen to 103, which is categorized as "moderate" by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is especially worrying for patients suffering from the COVID-19 virus, who suffer from breathing problems.

Under the "moderate" category, people with lung and heart disease, children, and aged people face discomfort in breathing. Things are only about to get worse as the festival of Diwali -- marked by bursting of polluting firecrackers and lighting of earthen lamps -- beckons. The air quality in Assam degrades each year during the winters, which is why health experts feel there is a need for recovered or active COVID patients must take extra precautions.

Also Read: From hospital bed, Tarun Gogoi promises to continue “serving” the people

It needs mention here that the air pollution in Guwahati has gotten progressively worse with each of the Unlocks. The AQI was 47 in April, 52 in May, 45 in June, 42 in July, 39 in August, and 48 in September.

Earlier, NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul had warned that winter could see a spike in coronavirus cases.

Simply put, the novel coronavirus is a respiratory virus and these kinds of viruses attack more during the winters. People will be more prone to respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza in the coming winter months and festive season.

Viruses tend to survive longer in a cold and dry climate, which is why the COVID could be a major pest in Guwahati -- elsewhere -- during the festive winter months. Health experts have said the COVID patients must take extra precautions during the coming few months so as to not aggravate their condition.

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.