Coronavirus: No confirmed cases in Nagaland, 7 under home isolation

Nagaland Health Minister, Pangyu Phom updating on the status in Nagaland with regard to the Novel Coronavirus at the NLA on February 8. (DIPR Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 8 

Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister, S Pangyu Phom today said that there are no confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus in Nagaland till date, while seven persons have been advised and kept under home isolation. 

The Minister further informed that no samples have been tested from the state, since those under surveillance have not exhibited any symptoms.

This was informed in the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in response to a question posed by Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang. Zeliang had asked for details on the State Government’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak. 

Zeliang urged the State Government to scan passengers not only at the airport but at the railway station and all entry points of Nagaland as well. 

The Health Minister informed that Nagaland was the first state to report on the special surveillance system portal for Novel Coronavirus with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

The Minister said that 42 persons arriving in Nagaland from China and affected countries (Thailand, Singapore, Hongkong, Australia etc) are under surveillance.

Seven persons have been kept under home isolation, he said adding that those under surveillance and under home isolation are monitored regularly, twice a day as per standard protocol.

Phom added that a large number of calls are being received by the helpline numbers of the H&FW Department and to Health workers directly, which are being attended to as per protocol.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that there is much mis-information being spread with regard to Novel Coronavirus.
“It is to be noted that we are yet to learn many aspects on the virus. However, it may be kept in mind that, as per the World Health Organisation statement, Novel Coronavirus cannot be spread by packages & parcel received from China,” Pangnyu informed the House.

Measures taken

•    Regular review being carried out by the Chief Secretary, Health Minister & Chief Minister
•    State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre with Command Centre operationalized 
•    Daily surveillance reports being dispatched to the Central Surveillance Unit
•    District Surveillance Units and Rapid Response Teams on maximum alert
•    25 isolation beds in the public hospitals kept ready while in coordination with private hospitals
•    Protection Equipments, N95 masks, hand-held thermal screeners provided to healthcare workers
•    Screening of passengers arriving at Dimapur Airport