GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has decided to extend the inter-district travel for stranded people in different parts of the state amid COVID-19 lockdown to April 30. Addressing a press meet in Guwahati, Assam health and finance minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that government will allow allow two-way travel – from one destination to the other and vice-versa – on April 28, 29 and 30 to facilitate people to bring back families stranded in other places.
Dr. Sarma also stated that restrictions will remain in force in the districts under Red Zone. He informed that 73 thousand stranded people with their vehicles applied for the permission to return home. Among them 26 thousand returned with their own vehicles on the first day. On the other hand, around 38 thousand applied for the round trip to bring back their family members. Passes will be provided to them for April 28, 29 and 30.
The other key points minister Sarma announced during the press meet:
8 more COVID-19 patients to be discharged from hospitals today. Number of active cases in Assam will come to 7.
Assam Government has so far delivered medicines to 467 people at home.
1931 calls received from the people seeking home delivery of medicines which are not locally available. 1400 requests will be addressed soon.
7616 samples tested at 6 medical colleges in Assam.
Assam has 2 lakh 70 thousand PPE kits, 52 thousand N95 masks and 46 lakh triple layer masks.
Government has set a target to increase the number of beneficiaries stranded in other States who are being provided with Rs 2,000 ex-gratia to nearly 3 lakh by April 30.
49 people from Assam stranded in other countries have so far been provided with US $ 2,000 as a financial ex-gratia.
Minister Sarma appeals paying guest and private hostel owners to provide concession to students. Sarma also asks landlords to provide concession to private company employees in their room rent.
Group of students stranded at Kota, Rajasthan to arrive Guwahati in the evening today.
