Guwahati, Jun 26 (KNN) Due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in Kamrup (M) the state government has decided to impose complete lockdown from June 28 midnight for the next 14 days in the entire Kamrup district.

The government has also decided to impose night curfew across the State and twice-a-week lockdown in all urban and semi-urban places with immediate effect.

''The COVID-19 cases in Guwahati have been increasing exponentially. Since June 15, we have recorded 676 cases of community transmission. We have thus decided to impose total lockdown in the city from June 28 midnight till July 12”, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.

A 12-hour night-curfew - between 7 pm and 7 am - will be observed across the state from Friday, he added.

The state will enforce a "complete lockdown" in other towns and municipal areas on weekends from Saturday every week; only emergency services will be allowed.

''We are aware about the present scenario and we also understand the government's concern but the businesses which were already spoiled due to lockdown will suffer again. Now, you don't have any other alternative other than to see your business dying,'' told Rabinder Chaurasia, a Guwahati-based businessman to KNN India.

However, in Guwahati, banks will be allowed to open for a limited duration. Air or rail tickets can be used as passes by travellers, Sharma said, adding that he would review the situation next Friday to consider relaxations.

The Minister further informed that all religious places, hotels, restaurants and e-commerce would remain closed during the lockdown period, while up to 20 people would be allowed to take part in funerals or cremations. Fuel outlets have been asked to provide fuel to only those on essential service and the city administration has been given the authority to decide if only specific outlets would remain open during the lockdown period.

With over 6,300 coronavirus cases, Assam is one of the worst-affected states in the northeast. Nine deaths have died while three migrated to other States.

According to the Union Health Ministry, so far around 4,000 patients in Assam have recovered.