Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 3 warned people in quarantine to refrain from any behaviour, including spitting, that could lead to transmission of the novel Coronavirus to others.
Talking to reporters at Golaghat after reviewing the condition of the eight COVID-19 positive patients at the civil hospital there, Sarma said, “I have learnt that many persons kept in quarantine here have been spitting out of their windows. If anyone comes into contact with the spit, it could lead to infection in them. I have asked them to refrain from such behaviour.”
Referring to the positive cases in the state, he further said, “In a way, they are human bombs. If they come into contact with others, say their families, their groups, they will make everyone (COVID-19) positive. Some think that since they are not showing any symptoms, they should be discharged. But they must understand that they are carriers of the virus and they can infect others.”
“We should not do any politics with this. It’s a matter of few days, and once they test negative for COVID-19, they will be allowed to leave,” he added.
The minister informed that only two out of a total of 16 COVID-19 patients (the cases now rose to 20 on April 3 evening) in the state have displayed symptoms so far.
On allegations made through audio clips, circulated on social media, of inadequate medical treatment to some of the patients, Sarma said all treatment procedure of the patients is being video-recorded and he was himself monitoring every aspect, including their diet.
