Assam Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Cultural Affairs, Power and Tourism department and in-charge minister of Sivasagar district, Bimal Bora on May 13 reviewed the preparedness, precautionary measures of COVID-19 as well as treatment facilities for COVID patients of the district in a meeting held at Sukafa Conference Hall of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Sivasagar.

After taking detailed stock of the COVID-19 management in the district, the Minister stressed carrying out an intensive awareness drive on the precautionary measures against COVID-19. He directed the District Transport Officer to coordinate with the Police to carry out intensive checking of vehicular movement.

He insisted on strict adherence to an odd-even policy put in place for vehicular movement.

He also stressed increasing COVID-19 vaccination in the district.

On request of the Joint Director of Health Services, Sivasagar, the Minster assured of taking necessary measures for providing sufficient RAT Testing Kits to the department.

While taking stock of the status of the ambulance services in the district, the Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to approach ONGC for the ambulance service so that these may cater for ONGC as well as the whole of the district during the crisis of the pandemic.

The Minister emphasized increasing the number of beds for the treatment of COVID patients.

He also directed the Health Department to review the status of COVID-19 management in the tea-garden areas of the district.

He also suggested setting up sufficient numbers of vaccination camps in the tea-garden areas.

The Minister stressed regular sanitization in the district.

In this context, he also suggested that the PHE department should coordinate with the Fire and Emergency Services so that the Fire- Tender Vehicles can be used for massive sanitization drive.

After being informed about the paucity of the oxygen trolley, the Minister directed the PWD (Roads and Building) to make necessary arrangement for a good number of trolleys for the Health Department.

After reviewing the COVID-19 management in the district, the Minister also directed the district administration to make the necessary preparation to combat the ensuing probable flood situation in the district.

He also directed all concerned departments to take all precautionary measures related to the flood.

The Minister also reviewed the status of various ongoing schemes in the district. He also emphasized on price regulation of essential items in the district so that the common people should not suffer due to price hike.

During the meeting, the Minister expressed his keenness for the all-around development of the Assam Tai Museum.

He stressed that the legacy of the glorious Ahom dynasty should be carried forth for posterity.

The Minister called upon all departments to extend all possible support and cooperation so that State Government succeeds in fulfilling the expectations of the public and to make the state scale new heights of development.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Bishnu Kamal Borah gave a detailed outline on the current COVID-19 situation and measures taken by the district administration and the Health Department to prevent the spread of the pandemic as well as the treatment facilities put in place.

The Deputy Commissioner apprised the Minister that since March 1, 2021, as many as 53,441 COVID-19 tests have been done, out of which 3999 are RTPCR and 49,442 are RAT.

He also informed that so far 20 persons died of COVID-19 in the district. He also stated that as of May 12, 2021, a total of 1630 positive cases were detected in the district and total active positive cases are 719.

He also stated that 113 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalised and 606 patients are under home isolation.

He also informed that out of 270 beds, 97 are presently occupied.

He also informed that out of a total of 302 containment zones, 127 are revoked and 175 are presently active.

He added that Support Kits were provided to 196 households residing under the containment zone.

The Deputy Commissioner also added that the recovery rate is 98%.

While briefing about the vaccination status, he informed that so far 85,865 doses of vaccinations were done.

While briefing about the Oxygen availability, he stated that there are 160 B Type Cylinders, 40 D Type Cylinders, 42 oxygen regulator and 55 Pipeline Support Beds available in the district.

He also added that that there are 14 108-Ambulances, of which 9 are used for transportation of COVID patients.

He also informed the Minister that the Mobile COVID-19 Testing facility was made available at the ASTC bus station and at the Railway Stations of Sivasagar.