The health department in Assam has tracked more than 400 people with whom the US tourist, who tested positive for coronavirus in Bhutan, had come into contact during his stay in Assam.

“The State health department has traced more than 400 contacts in different places including MV Mahabahu and resorts where he stayed. Teams of doctors and microbiologists have been keeping a close watch on these people who have been quarantined,” health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

He said five tests have been conducted up till now and the results have come negative.

Minister of state for health Pijush Hazarika advised people to avoid foreign travel for some time.

Earlier, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the preparedness and monitoring mechanism of health department to deal with coronavirus disease.

Sonowal directed the health department to take steps for sensitizing all government officials on coronavirus.

A 76-year-old American tourist tested positive for COVID-19 in Bhutan, the first such case in the country, after travelling through Assam recently.