Doctor couple, who returned from Saudi, quarantined
With growing fear of coronavirus, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal here on Saturday decided not to participate in any public programme till March 31 while the frontier state of Mizoram banned the entry of any non-natives to the state.
Mr Sonowal also appealed to the people of the state to remain alert and keep themselves aware of this disease. He also urged the people to strictly follow the advisory issued by the health department.
Panic prevailed in Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital Barpeta on Saturday when a doctor couple who came back from Saudi Arabia, only a few days back, was found to have been symptoms similar to coronavirus.
The superintendent of the medical college
Dhrubajyoti Bora told reporters that they have asked the doctor couple to stay away from the workplace and confine themselves at home at least for 14 days voluntarily.
“We have cleaned and sterilised the operation theatre in which he operated a patient,” said Mr Bora admitting that the doctor had not informed the hospital authorities about his visit abroad.
“They went on a vacation stating some personal reason and on return he joined the duty without reporting the history of his foreign visit,” the hospital authorities said adding that as soon as it came to their notice they have taken all necessary steps.
The local television media flashed the news which created a panic among the hospital staff and patients as well.
Mr Bora clarified that they have not sealed the operation theatre or hospital but it was closed for some time for hygiene purpose.
Assam transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary reviewed the preparedness of the state to handle the possible emergency situation in meeting which was attended by the health officials, divisional superintendents of Assam State Transport Corporation, executive and junior engineers of Inland Water Transport, and representatives of bus operators, cab operators, auto rickshaw operators, Ola, Uber, Rapido services etc.
The minister said, “Transport system is an essential service for daily mobility for the masses. In view of coronavirus, safety is a top priority for everyone working in, and using, public transport.” He also directed to ASTC divisional superintendents and IWT junior engineers to conduct awareness drives.