Face masks on sale on the street of Nagaland’s state capital Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland capital attempts to mitigate COVID-19 spread
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 10
Following the mandatory usage of face masks in Kohima directed by the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP), a total of 3100 defaulters were caught moving in and around Kohima municipality without protective masks.
The first day recorded a total of 1900 defaulters while on the second day, November 10, 1200 defaulters were recorded. According to the AKMWP, the mandatory wearing of Face mask enforcement was carried peacefully with a drastic decrease in the number of defaulters.
“AKMWP is very encouraged to see citizens are aware of the importance of wearing face mask even in just two days. We sincerely request our citizens’ help in containing the spread of the dreaded virus in our Kohima City for a better and safer place to live in,” requested Neibulie Kiewhuo, President, AKMWP.
Kiewhuo also informed that the wards connected to the National Highways and main markets have the highest number of defaulters.
Expressing concern over the incautious attitude of citizens in Kohima, Kethosinuo Tepa, a resident of Kohima welcomed the initiative as 'masks are good preventive tools' and 'as long as the authorities/volunteers do not go overboard with charging defaulters'.
“We as citizens should know our duties and follow the safety protocols before rules like this came into force. I think we should also shift our concern to social distancing and masking in enclosed areas,” said Tepa
For KMC Administrator Kovi Meyase, the directive has indeed made an impact where a lot more of citizens wearing mask has been witnessed in a few days. According to the AKMWP, defaulter(s) found moving around without face masks shall have their names listed and will be compelled to buy masks on the spot at Rs 30 per mask, from Ward COVID Committee members on duty.
A total of 10 volunteers from each ward assisted by senior members have been assigned on duty to check the defaulters. The directive comes against the backdrop of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Nagaland, where the AKMWP has directed everyone moving in and around within the Kohima municipality to compulsorily wear face masks from November 9 onwards until further direction.
In an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and ensure citizens of Kohima are following the SOPs, the exercise has been carried out.
