DHEMAJI, March 24 - Public concern over the coronavirus threat is growing in Dhemaji district after reports have done the rounds that a sizeable section of local people have returned home in recent times from different south Indian states and are roaming about recklessly without adhering to the self-quarantine protocol.
According to reports available, more than 650 local people, including company workers and students have returned to the district of late, out of which 138 are reportedly from the easternmost part of Jonai subdivision bordering Arunachal Pradesh.
People from different villages of the district have complained that many persons after having returned from abroad have ignored voluntary home quarantine on the pretext of lack of facility for isolated living at their respective residences and have been moving about and mixing socially without any hesitation, thereby increasing the risk of widespread contamination among the unsuspecting local people.
In the meantime, the district Health department of Dhemaji has advised them to maintain a minimum 14-day self-quarantine protocol in order to prevent any possible outbreak of coronavirus. Not surprisingly though, many among the returnees have not cared to heed the sage advice.
Additionally, many others are reportedly living with family members as usual after a routine medical check-up.
Meanwhile, a section of villagers have reported the alarming situation to the Circle Officer, police and local doctors and urged them to initiate prompt effective action in this regard to prevent spread of the dreaded disease. The socially irresponsible behaviour by a section of the returnees has come in for flak from the local populace.
The district Health department has in the meantime adopted measures to contain outbreak of the dreaded virus and set up 40 isolation beds in Dhemaji Civil Hospital, Bengenagara CHC and five other Block PHCs within the district.
