Coronavirus: So far, 92,390 samples have been tested in Assam
The Assam government wants the night curfew to continue after May 31 when the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus ends. The decision came on a day when the COVID-19 cases in the state almost quadrupled within a week - from 256 on May 22 to 1,057 on Friday.
This is the highest single-day spike in the number of coronavirus cases in Assam.
"We want the night curfew to continue as this is helping. Whatever government of India decides on the lockdown we will follow the decision of the centre. Whatever government of India decides on the lockdown we will follow the same," Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters in Guwahati on Friday.
However, while in Assam it took only a week to quadruple its cases, Kerala, that had already reached the mark of 286 cases on April 2, took over seven weeks to quadruple, of which, about 50 per cent have already recovered. In Assam, 125 persons have recovered so far.
According to a release by Assam's Health and Family Welfare department, so far, 92,390 samples were tested, while Kerala has tested only 74,214 samples.
"We are okay even if the duration of night curfew starts from 9 in the evening instead of 7," the minister said.
Mr Sarma also hinted at preparations to open schools and colleges in the state depending on whether the centre decides to extend the lockdown or not.