Says any decision on lockdown will be taken after assessing situation
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 24
The Nagaland State Government today expressed hope the positivity rate of COVID-19 cases in the State would go down in the next two weeks, and stated that any decision on extension of the current lockdown will be based on the assessment of the current situation.
Spokesperson of the High Powered Committee (HPC), Mmhonlumo Kikon said this during a press conference in Kohima on May 24. He stated that lockdown related decisions are being taken based on factors such as transmission level, sample positivity rate and bed occupancy in COVID facilities.
The present lockdown, he said has been necessitated due to the overwhelming increase in cases. “As for the future course of action, the state will definitely asses according to the criteria, and hope that in another two weeks, the positivity rate will go down as it is already going down in the last 20 days” he added.
Although the State has no reported cases of Mucormycosis commonly known as Black Fungus, Kikon said “the state government is taking abundant precaution” and made it a notifiable disease for prompt reporting and prevention.
The focus of the government, he said is on its prevention and control of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, judicious use of steroids and ensuring clean water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy. He further informed that the government has communicated to the Centre on procurement of amphoteracin B, which is the drug used to treat the condition. Kikon said that production of the drug in the country has been ramped up.
While there have been concerns about availability of oxygen cylinders in the State, Kikon assured that the state has sufficient oxygen.
“People need not worry about the lack of oxygen as we have sufficient oxygen to deal with the matter” assured Kikon.
Preparedness in rural areas
To prevent transmission from urban to rural areas, Kikon said the District Task Forces have been sensitised through a video conference.
He informed that community surveillance of COVID-19 like symptoms and daily reports by ASHA, Angawadi and SHGs have already been initiated. Plans are also in the pipeline to expand rapid testing in wellness centers immediately.
The government, he said has also ensured that there are community COVID Care Centres in all the subdivisions and blocks, isolation beds in CHCs and PHCs with provision of oxygen facility, and village task forces have been activated.
He meanwhile stated that random testing would continue as rapid testing is the most effective strategy in the prevention and control of COVID-19.
Role of frontline workers applauded
The HPC Spokesperson also expressed his appreciation to the frontline workers, particularly the health workers for their tireless efforts in treating patients.
“The frontline workers have been in the forefront and the government is very pleased and happy with their dedication and services” said Kikon.
On the availability of doctors and medical officers in the CHCs and PHCs across the state, he informed that following the recent appointments, there are currently 40 junior grade and 12 senior grade medical officers with an additional eight each on study leave and deputation
176-bedded COVID-19 hospital in CIHSR
Despite financial constraints, Kikon said a 176-bedded COVID-19 hospital will be placed at the CIHSR campus. The spokesperson said this dedicated COVID Hospital will offer essential medical services without disruptions.
He further informed that the Chief Minister along with members of the High Powered Committee would inaugurate a 30-bedded facility at Police Referral Hospital, Chümoukedima. The CM will also visit CIHSR where the PSA oxygen plant is expected to be operational by May 25.
