In a major relief to the stranded people, the Assam government has allowed inter-district movement for three days from April 25th, 2020.
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, the Assam government will allow the inter-district movement from April 25th, 2020 to April 27th, 2020. This will help the stranded people to commute back to their respective places.
The State government will arrange buses of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) for the three days window period for the people without any vehicles or means of transport.
The buses will ply on designated routes ensuring social distancing protocols to contain the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“All those who have registered through 104 or through district officials will be given a journey ticket through SMS on there registered mobile number, the mobile number which was used to call and register. Once they get a ticket, they may proceed as per instructions,” Anand Prakash Tiwari, MD, ASTC.
On the other hand, the ones stranded with vehicles can apply for an e-pass with the respective district Deputy Commissioners.
“Patients will be allowed to visit the government hospitals for treatment but they will also have to apply for e-passes. Strict action will be taken against those vehicles plying on roads with the e-passes issued for patients but without a patient on board,” said Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
A maximum of 25 migrant workers will be allowed to travel in one truck or bus during the three days inter-district movement window period.
People stranded in Kamrup Metro district can send their details to three WhatsApp numbers – 8638112297, 7002546684, 6901462595 – for availing e-pass. One can also apply for e-pass by visiting the websites- kamrupmetro.assam.gov. in and kamrupmetro.in.
Assam on April 23rd, 2020 registered a fresh COVID-19 positive case after a week, taking the state tally to 35.
It may be mentioned that the Assam government has started using rapid testing kits. The state has also increased the quarantine period from 14 to 28 days for those who come in contact with COVID-19 patients.
Photo credit: Time8
