Assam's Covid-19 rules issued by Chief Secretary go for a toss during Shah visit

GUWAHATI: Assam's new Covid-19 regulations have gone for an absolute toss amid the fanfare over the Union Home Minister's visit who has arrived in Assam as a part of his 3-day Northeast India tour.

Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had promised an "indigenous" welcome for Shah, with hundreds of local artists being lined up to welcome the Union Minister. However, this is apparently in completely violation of the new guidelines issues by Chief Secretary Jisnu Baruah who on December 24 stated that not more than 50 people will be allowed at gatherings due to the emergence of a new and more infectious strain of the virus in the UK.

Today, however, the ruling party has arranged a grand ceremony where Shah will be speaking, where more than 25,000 people will be in attendance.

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Meanwhile, The Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua on Friday declared guidelines to be followed this Christmas and New Year in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the state. The guidelines shall come into force with effect from December 25 to January 10.

• No gathering in excess of 50 persons shall be organized during the period of this order.
• In any given enclosed space, whether private or public, the total number of attendees shall in any case not exceed 50% of the capacity of such space.
• In case of outdoor events, the gathering shall be restricted to ensure physical distancing being maintained at all times.
• Any or all religious festivities are encouraged to be conducted, preferably inside homes.
• Where religious functions are required to be observed in places of public gathering, adequate social distancing and all other protocols of Covid management are to be followed strictly.
• Organizers should ensure universal usage of masks, hand sanitization and mandatory test of staff for COVID-19, District Magistrates, Superintendent of Police (Commissioner of Police, in case of Kamrup-M) of all districts shall ensure strict compliance of these orders.

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