Coronavirus: 'Chennai Express' Evacuated in Assam's Mariani after 2 Suspected of Being Virus Carriers

Jorhat, March 15, 2020:

The coronavirus terror has made its way to Mariani in Upper Assam's Jorhat district after two individuals suspected of being infected with the virus reportedly entered the State through the Chennai Express on Sunday.

The Northeast Frontier Railways have directed to evacuate the Mariani railway station in the Assam-Nagaland border after rumors of the two individuals infected with the dreaded coronavirus started doing the rounds.

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According to reports, the duo traveled in the 15929 Chennai Express and made to the sleepy little town in Jorhat. Now, after the reports started circulating, the rail authorities made the passengers get down from the train and efforts are being made to trace the virus.

This incident has triggered an alarming situation as the virus has not yet been able to make it to the Northeast region. If the reported case turns out to be true, the State government will have to adopt stricter measures to contain the outbreak in Assam.

ALSO READ: Northeast Frontier Railway Takes Measures against Pandemic Coronavirus

The Northeast Frontier (NFR) Railway has also withdrawn the provision of blankets and curtains in the air-conditioned coaches of all trains that are operating to and from the different railway stations in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus health crisis in the region.

Special emphasis has been laid on the frequent disinfection of coaches in coaching depots under all the five divisions of NFR – Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar and Katihar Sanitation of all critical areas of the coaches are reportedly being done after the rake is released from Pit examination and washing. The Indian Railways have assigned dedicated teams to carry out this task.

A drive is also on since last week to raise awareness on coronavirus (COVID-19) among passengers and people in general in the local languages. Announcements in local languages have also been made through Public Address system in all the stations. Videos showing the precautions to be taken are being played at stations where such facilities are available.

Northeast Frontier Railway, through its Facebook profile, shared, “To restrict the spread of Corona Virus by contact, the curtains in AC coaches will be removed & blankets will be provided only on demand as these are most likely source of infection. However, passengers may carry their own blankets for better hygiene. The bedsheets, pillow covers & hand towel will be provided as usual. Temperature of AC coaches will be adjusted accordingly. Your role in fighting the pandemic Corona Virus is highly appreciated.”

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Schools, Colleges, & Universities to be Closed Down till March 29, Orders Assam Govt

However, it needs mention here that blankets will be kept with attendants and to be given to passengers only on demand. Passengers can bring their own blankets for their journey as it will be in their own interest due to the coronavirus outbreak. Additional bed sheets are being kept in AC coaches for any exigencies. Temperature inside AC coaches will be adjusted suitably as per requirement.

It may be mentioned here that Assam and other northeastern States have issued travel advisories for the tourists and prohibited mass gatherings to shied itself from COVID-19.

Most of the border checkpoints along the Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Bangladesh borders have also been closed down. Schools, colleges, gyms, swimming pools and all movements of passengers through the borders have been suspended till April 15.

The novel virus has claimed as many as 5,839 lives worldwide, and 74,970 people are currently affected. 5,652 (8%) are said to be in serious/critical condition. Total cases currently is 156,745. Recovered cases stand at 75,936.

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India has crossed the century mark as far as COVID-19 cases are concerned, reports have confirmed. Maharashtra has recorded the most number of cases, at 31. It has now become a ‘hot zone’ for the virus, with the leap in its infection count from 19 to 31 in a day making it the state with the most number of cases; Kerala, meanwhile, has recorded 22 cases. The number of deaths from the virus has now touched two in India.

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