Beneficiaries outside a health centre for vaccination in Nagaland. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter)
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 16
With the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Nagaland Department of Health & Family Welfare today said that it is closely monitoring the rise in cases of COVID-19 in the state. Although two cases have been detected in the state recently, it was informed that both have been treated.
Briefing media personnel this evening at the directorate, Principal Director, Dr Vikato Kinimi informed that no new variant has been detected and the variant in circulation is of Omicron (B1, B2, B4 & B5).
While assuring that the department is prepared to handle any rise in cases, Dr Kinimi said that the rise in cases has not been reflected in rise of hospital admissions as there is sustained low incidence level of mild clinical severity and very low rates of hospitalisation due to factors such as enhanced surveillance, focus on case management and high vaccination coverage.
Stating that the pandemic is still not over and all necessary precautions are advised, Dr Kinimi asked the public not to let their guards down and to adhere to all COVID-19 appropriate behaviours of wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing etc.
Meanwhile, the department will continue to monitor the trends of existing variants and follow the strategy of surveillance, focussing on early detection, isolation, testing, timely management of suspected and confirmed cases to detect and contain outbreaks new of COVID-19 variants.
“So far our state is safe. I pray and hope that our state will be safe in the near future,” said Dr Kinimi.
Vaccination ongoing but slow progress
Since the COVID vaccination was launched on January 16, 2021, it is still ongoing but the progress is said to be very slow.
State Immunization Officer, Dr Ritu Thurr said the department is doing its best in disseminating information and conducting house to house vaccination. However, progress is very slow with more than 58% coverage among adults (18 years and above), 49% among 15-17 years and “very less” among 12-14 years.
Dr Kinimi reiterated “vaccination has proved beyond doubt that it impacts the outcome of COVID-19 infection.” He urged people in the state who have not been vaccinated to accept the vaccination and also take the precaution dose.
Re-infection is a possibility
Although there is no clinical severity of cases so far, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) officer, Dr Nyanthung Kikon said 're-infection is a possibility with the Omicron variant.' He said one can be re-infected with the same variant or different variant of Omicron. He asserted that it is important that COVID appropriate behaviours are adhered to.
He further cautioned “one should not take COVID-19 lightly, because we still have a large chunk of population who are susceptible, especially those whose immunity are compromised and those with co-morbid conditions.” Dr Kikon said 'if precautions are not taken, the outcome among the vulnerable populace can have a disastrous outcome.'
