In view of the rising Covid19 positive cases, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced restrictions on the inter-district movement across the state with effect from May 21.

The decision to restrict inter-district movement across Assam was taken after a video conference chaired by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all districts regarding Covid19 management.

The video conference, held on Sunday, was also attended by Assam health minister Keshab Mahanta, Nalbari MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah, the director general of police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta and other senior officials.

“After a detailed discussion on the Covid status, presented by health department” a number of decisions were taken in the video conference, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated.

“Considering the spread of Covid cases from one district to another, inter-district movement of people shall be temporarily suspended from 21st of May, 2021. This shall help in reducing the positive casescoming from outside a district,” said a statement issued by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday.

“The primary responsibility of the government at this time is to tackle the Covid pandemic with full commitment. All government officials shall therefore function along with the health & family welfare department as one unit,” the chief minister stated.

The deputy commissioners and superintendents of police, being the heads of civil and police police administration at district level shall lead from front and must be visible at all times in the fight against Covid. They must regularly visit Covid hospitals and containment zones and instil confidence in the public,” the statement said.

“Availability of Covid related medical services at odd hours, especially late night and in early morning hours and on public holidays is of great importance in reducing mortality,” it said.

“DCs and SPs shall ensure that health services during these odd hours are maintained with same intensity and responsiveness as in the daytime and shall make visits at odd hours also, to support the healthcare personnel and other frontline workers engaged on duty,” the statement further said.

Health & family welfare department shall issue necessary SOPs for institutional isolation of 50 plus age group Covid positive patients and improvement of facilities in Covid vaccination centres immediately, it added.