Holi to be Colorless in Assam amid Fears of Coronavirus? Markets Badly Hit, Say Dealers

Dispur, March 7, 2020:

The coronavirus is likely to wreak havoc on Holi celebrations in Assam as a stroll through the usually jam-packed market in Fancy Bazar presented a rather bleak sight: few takers of the gulal.

"Not much sales...will probably happen in the next day or two. People are wondering whether to buy these products for Holi or not. Maybe this time the market will be impacted", said one of the traders.

Another dealer opined that only Indian products will be sold this time on Holi, as China, the originating land of the virus, has been blacklisted by the market. He said, "We will play with good quality; we will focus on Indian, most of the good is Indian, not much has been brought from China. They (people) will play, but life is dearer; thus they will play, albeit safely."

The market is responding to the Government directive wherein people have been urged not to take part in mass gatherings, which could facilitate an outbreak of the virus.

Meanwhile, the Assam Government is trying to contain the outbreak of Coronavirus in the state, following the positive case of a tourist who traveled from Assam to Bhutan.

The Social Welfare department of Assam has issued a notification urging the district authorities to restrict mass gathering in all the districts until the feared Coronavirus is contained.

"Experts across the World have advised to reduce mass gathering to avoid the spread of COVID-19 novel Coronavirus disease. In view of the above it is advised that mass gatherings may be avoided or possibly be postponed till the disease spread is contained," said the notification.

The department has also urged the districts to take necessary precautions in case of any mass gathering organized. "States may take necessary action to guide the organisers on precautions to be taken as per the risk communication material has already been sent so as to avoid any Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases and Influenza like Illness including COVID-19," added the statement.

The department has further instructed all the District Commissioners to postpone all the public meetings until the disease spread is contained.

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