Assam BJP MLA tested positive for COVID-19

Assam BJP MLA tested positive for COVID-19, Sonowal directs to take stern action against violators of COVID-19 protocol

Guwahati, June 22: An Assam BJP MLA has been tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

Krishnendu Paul – BJP MLA of Patharkandi assembly constituency of Karimganj district was tested positive for the new virus and he was admitted at Karimganj civil hospital.

According to the Karimganj district administration, the MLA’s swab was collected on June 18 and his test result came out on Monday.

Confirming the report, Karimganj district Deputy Commissioner Anbamuthan MP said that, the MLA was tested positive for COVID-19.

We have collected his swab on June 18 and the result tested positive. We will collect swab of his all staff and family members. We are also trying to find out his contact details,” the Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj district said.

Assam has so far reported 5586 COVID-19 positive cases.

On the other hand, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday directed the state Chief Secretary to take necessary steps for enforcing strong action against violators of COVID-19 protocol including those who do not wear masks and maintain social distancing norms.

The Assam Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to issue a direction in this regard to the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in a meeting held at his office conference room in Guwahati to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state today.

Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma while apprising the Chief Minister about the steps taken by the health department to control COVID-19 outbreak in the state informed that presently voluntary swab collection is being carried out in 12 testing centres in the city.

Himanta Biswa Sarma further said that one swab collection centre in each of the Municipal wards of the city would be set up by the health department soon.

While discussing the spike of COVID-19 positive cases in the meeting, Assam Chief Minister directed the Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner to take all needful measures to contain the spread.