Outrageous Claim: Assam Coronavirus-Free, No Need To Wear Mask, Says Health Minister

Guwahati: Senior minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that people in Assam need not wear mask any longer as the state is free of COVID-19.

His outrageous claim attracted widespread criticism and ridicule. The BJP leader then took to Twitter to challenge those who are making fun of his statement to visit Assam and assess the coronavirus situation in the north-eastern state.

“Those who are making fun of my statement on masks must come to Assam and see how we have contained COVID-19, compared to states like Delhi, Kerala and Maharashtra… along with impressive recovery of economy,” he tweeted.

“We will celebrate Bihu with the same enthusiasm this year,” he added.

Reacting to state health minister Sarma’s contention that there is no coronavirus in Assam, Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted: “We have the first state in the country… or rather the world… whose Health Minister has declared it Covid-free and has advised no masks (or) Covid protocols to be followed… We must all celebrate the feat and get WHO (World Health Organization) to endorse it!”