Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday during his visit to Goalpara district hinted at extending the ongoing lockdown period which is scheduled to come to an end on April 14 next.
Replying to a question raised by journalists, he said, “It is clear that so far no medicine for this dreaded virus has been invented.”
“We are not left with many alternatives except maintaining the social distance. So, you may guess what will the government do,” Sonowal added.
In his address, Sonowal said, “The world civilization is in a critical position now. The virus has terrified every single individual.”
“The Prime Minister has appealed to observe the lockdown with dedication. Everyone should follow the lockdown staying inside their house and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene,” he added.
He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Assam.
“I am thankful to the 3.3 crore people of Assam who are following the lockdown norms with dedication. I appeal to continue with same spirit the lockdown up to April 14,” he also said.
“In some places, for the greater interest of the society, the police department was compelled to take stringent actions against those who violated the lockdown norms. Because, there is no alternative to keep social distancing,” he further said.
He said the Health department has readied itself with upgraded standard health facilities in all the 33 districts of the State.
Health minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, state minister Piyush Hazarika, doctors, nurses, cleaners, ambulance drivers, are working day and night to combat the disease, he added.
Sonowal was accompanied by Food and Civil Supply minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury.
A review meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office on COVID-19 was also participated by Sarbananda Sonowal where minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury and four MLAs of the district were present.
Deputy commissioner Varnali Deka gave a presentation on the initiatives and preparedness taken by the administration against the coronavirus.
The deputy commissioner handed over a cheque of Rs 10,85,579 to the chief minister for CM Relief Fund in fight against COVID-19.
The deputy commissioner also contributed one month salary to the fund.