Assam government to lift all Covid restrictions from February 15

GUWAHATI: With the third wave of Covid-19 in the state showing signs of approaching the end, the

Assam government

has decided to withdraw all restrictions from February 15, but with a double vaccination rider for board exam students, guests in marriages, attendees in public meetings and cine-goers.

"The Covid situation in the state has considerably improved and by February 15 it should improve further. So, we have decided to withdraw all Covid related restrictions. There will not be any curfew, schools will reopen, cinema can have 100% viewers except that wearing of masks and use of santisers will be mandatory," chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

On Monday, the test positivity ratio dropped to less than 2% for the first time in 32 days. For the last three days since Friday, the state's test positivity ratio has remained below 3% and the number of active cases, mostly in home isolation, has dropped to about 9,000 from a high of 49,000 on January 22.

Sarma added that life will be normal from February 15. "There will be just points - examinees of Class 10 and 12 board exams should get themselves double vaccinated. So, I suggest that start early so that they have the second dose on time," he said.

"The double vaccination will also be applicable for guests in a marriage ceremony, those attending public meetings and going to cinemas," he added.

Sarma said the state's biggest festival, Rongali Bihu in mid-April, will be allowed to be celebrated without any restrictions. The celebrations were not held in 2020 due to the nation-wide lockdown. Last year, the celebrations were held on a low scale under Covid restrictions. He said the Covid hospital at Sarusajai has no patients at present while in Guwahati medical College and Hospital, the number of Covid patients is less than 50.