Covid-19 positive US tourist came into contact with over 400 persons in State

GUWAHATI, March 8 - The State health department has tracked more than 400 people with whom the US tourist, who tested positive for COVID-19 in Bhutan, had come into contact during his stay in Assam.

�The State health department has traced more than 400 contacts in different places including MV Mahabahu and resorts where he stayed. Teams of doctors and microbiologists have been keeping a close watch on these people who have been quarantined,� Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said today.

So far, 5 tests have been done and all are negative.

Citing that even the partner of the American tourist is reported to be negative for the virus, Sarma appealed to all not to panic and observe all protocols including personal hygiene.

Minister of State for Health Pijush Hazarika advised people to avoid foreign travel for some time.

Last evening, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the preparedness and monitoring mechanism of health department to deal with coronavirus disease.

Sonowal directed the health department to take steps for sensitizing all government officials on coronavirus. Underling the importance of awareness among people, the Chief Minister asked the department to form dedicated teams at village level by involving ASHA and AWW who would visit all households and inform people about the preventive measures.

The Chief Minister also stressed on implementing extensive awareness activities covering all panchayats, villages, towns and tea gardens within a week�s time.

He further asked the ASTC to press into service its mechanism in generating awareness among commuters on coronavirus disease. He urged Railways to collaborate with the health department in dealing with it.

Cent per cent screening of passengers of all international flights at LGBI are being carried out along with regular screening at other airports in the State.