Guwahati is in the grip of the first stage of community transmission of COVID-19, said Assam Health Department officials on Wednesday.

The declaration was made after a spike in COVID-19 cases was reported in the city from several places including banks, malls, private hospitals and apartments.

A total of 226 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Wednesday, taking Assam's overall tally to 6282

ALSO READ | COVID-19: Lockdown Imminent In Guwahati

A total of 196 patients were also released from different hospitals in the state, taking the overall discharged case tally in the state to 3762.

Assam now has 2508 active cases, while 9 persons have succumbed to the virus so far.

Owing to the first stage of community transmission in Guwahati, the State Bank of India has decided to close down four of its branches.

The branches closed are- New Guwahati, Fancy Bazar, Lokhra LCPC branch and Khanapara.

So far fourteen persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the LCPC branch at Lokhra and six at the Fancy Bazar branch.

It may be mentioned here that one floor of the SBI local head office at Dispur was also sealed after an employee tested positive.

It was also informed by the SBI that the branches are being sanitized and operations will resume in these branches from Monday (June 29).

Not just banks, but an employee of PWD NH office at Chandmari and an electrician of Nemcare Hospital in Bhangagarh also tested positive for COVID-19.

In another case, an employee of the North East Small Finance Bank has also tested positive and authorities have quarantined three of his primary contacts.

Speaking to reporters Minister of State Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday said, "A total of 203 cases were detected in the state yesterday, out of which 102 were from Guwahati."

"This is a dangerous sign and the people of Guwahati now needs to be extra careful. It is better to avoid travelling to Guwahati unless it is essential," he said.

"Moreover, Guwahatians should remain indoors as much as possible," he further appealed.

"The spike in cases in Guwahati indicates the first stage of community transmission. Cases are being detected from anywhere and everywhere," Hazarika further said.