GUWAHATI, May 22 - As many as 49 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Assam on Friday, taking the total coronavirus count in the State to 259. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said all the new patients were under quarantine. In the biggest one-time spike in cases from the Sarusajai quarantine centre, 26 returnees tested positive for COVID-19 late on Friday evening.
Fifteen cases were reported from Tezpur since last night. Most of them were at the Tezpur University quarantine centre after returning from outside the State.
Two persons from Sivasagar who were at a quarantine centre in Jorhat tested positive for the virus.
One under quarantine at the city�s MMCH and nine kept in isolation at Silchar also tested positive.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the State is passing through a crucial period and urged all not to panic and maintain social distancing, lockdown and quarantine rules.
�Violation of these rules will put all of our lives in danger. We are committed towards the safety of the people of Assam and will take strict action against such violators,� Sonowal cautioned.
With the number of returnees to the State expected to go up manifold once the flight services resume and the frequency of train service is increased, the district administrations are identifying and requisitioning more and more mass quarantine facilities.
The total number of isolation beds identified in the State as on date is around 3,338 for treating critically ill patients in district hospitals, medical college hospitals and private health institutions.
A total of 595 ICU beds are currently available in government and private hospitals.
The Health Minister inaugurated the ICU facility at Nagaon Civil Hospital to cater to COVID-19 patients.
