Dimapur, March 14 (MExN): While Nagaland is yet to have any suspected COVID-19 cases, various civil society organizations like the NSF, CPO and the NGBF have appealed for increased efforts to put preventive measures in place.
'Protect the students'
In a press release received on Saturday, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) appealed the “heads of all educational institutions in all Naga inhabited areas to take all necessary precautionary measures in-order to ensure that the students are kept free from the deadly virus.”
The Federation appealed all the institutions to strictly comply with the various preventive measures and health advisories in order to prevent the students from contracting the disease and combat its spread.
Further, the Federation urged the institutions to tie-up with their respective state governments and distribute free masks and hand-sanitizers to all the students.
This is in the interest of the student community, the release stated.
Phek restricts entry of tourists
The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has informed that “no tourist, especially the foreigners and people coming from mainland shall be allowed at present and be kept under suspension in Phek district unless valid and proper documents are obtained from concern authority.” It also restated its resolution to strictly ban hunting of animals. Further, the CPO directed its constituent units and frontal organizations such as the Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students’ Union and Chakhesang Mother’s Association to keep strict vigil, and urged the government agencies and educational institutions to strictly observe advisories issued by the Health Ministry.
Chida Resort temporarily closed for tourists
The Khezhakeno Youth Organization (KYO) has informed that the Chida Resort, under Khezhakeno village of Phek district will remain temporarily closed for tourist visits (both from mainland India and foreign).
“This temporary restriction is purely a precautionary step in response to the WHO declaration of COVID-19 as a “controllable pandemic,” according to a release issued by KYO president Senovielhou Koza and general secretary Kevieneilo Koza.
NGBF highlights concerns
The Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) issued a statement highlighting its concern on the vulnerability of the state, particularly Dimapur district, in tackling the novel coronavirus.
“It is a matter of time only that it reaches our land since we are directly connected to others cities which are already affected with the COVID-19,” the NGBF statement read.
It suggested that the state government install screening tests in the airport and railway station; open help desks; ban public gatherings and entry of tourists and if needed, close down schools for some days. It also highlighted the need to prepare for quarantine and create intensive public awareness etc, and stated that, “Our living conditions are not at that standard to tackle the massive outbreak of such pandemic.”
