Nagaland: No cases yet, State amps up prevention
Passengers line up to be scanned for COVID-19 on arrival at the Dimapur terminal on March 8. (Morung Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 13
Nagaland is yet to have any suspected COVID-19 cases, according to state health authorities, even as the State has geared up its efforts to increase preventive measures.
According to State Health officials, no samples have been sent for testing from Nagaland. "None of the cases fit into the criteria of COVID 19," said Dr Nyan Kikon, Nodal Officer for IDSP.
Dr. Kikon reminded that there are two criteria for testing of suspected case of COVID 19: The person must have a travel history in the affected countries and the person must have come in close contact with a person tested positive for COVID 19.
So far, Nagaland has not received any suspected case. With the onset of the flu season, Dr Kikon noted that people have expressed apprehension with some approaching hospitals to get tested.
The testing laboratories designated for Nagaland are in Guwahati and Dibrugarh.
Till March 13 evening, 2008 passengers had been screened in Dimapur airport while 110 persons are currently under Surveillance in Nagaland.
Mkg to screen travelers at entry points, restriction on inter-state traders
MOKOKCHUNG, MARCH 13 (MExN): The Mokokchung DC, during a district task force meeting, has informed that travelers coming from other part of the country will be scrutinized about their travel history at entry point gates to the district.
Passengers of all buses travelling directly from Guwahati into Mokokchung district will be monitored by way of collecting the details of their travel history at the Police check gates (Tsutapela and Watiyongpang) by police personnel. The collected information shall be monitored by the District Surveillance Team (COVID-19) on a daily basis.
The DC, through an order, further restricted movement of all traders from outside the state for the purpose of weekly bazaar at various locations in the district with immediate effect and will remain in force till further order. However, weekly bazaar for traders from within the district will remain open.
The DC also advised educational institutions to avoid non-essential travels as well as excursions or educational tours outside the state till the situation is contained. As far as possible public have been advised to avoid attending mass gatherings; while NGOs and other public organizations have been asked to avoid organizing big gatherings and functions unless it is unavoidable.
The Mokokchung district task force has meanwhile decided to approach the Government for Thermal Sensory equipments to make it more convenient while scrutinizing travelers at entry point. A Sub-committee was also set up during the meeting to identify suitable location with basic infrastructural amenities to be used as a quarantine centre.
Besides, the Mokokchung DC informed that poster campaigns would be carried out at all public places along with special emphasis on spreading the awareness during Church programmes. It was decided to impart basics on preventive measures to the teachers presently undergoing NISHTHA training in Mokokchung.
Private hospitals directed to refer all suspected cases to RRT District Hospital
DIMAPUR, MARCH 13 (MExN): The Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr T Pangjung Sangtam has informed all private hospitals, nursing homes and clinics that they should not collect specimen samples of suspected COVID-19 cases as of March 13. The cases should be referred to the Rapid Response Team (RRT) at the District Hospital, Dimapur. A press release from the CMO informed that this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been enforced with the WHO declaration of the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. “Failing to comply with the SOP and guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health, Government of India, actions will be taken against the defaulters,” it cautioned.
Masks, hand sanitisers mandatory at all public places
DIMAPUR, MARCH 13 (MExN): A notice from the Home Department today said people should compulsorily use masks and hand sanitizers in all public places. It asked the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to ensure that preventive measures are enforced in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salesmen/shopkeepers who usually come in contact with large number of people should wear masks. All establishments must keep hand sanitizers for both personal and public use.
The DC’s have also been directed to take immediate steps to activate and widely publicize a phone line/contact number to receive reports/complaints from public regarding hoarding or selling at higher price of mask/hand sanitizer.
A directive to this effect was issued by the Dimpur DC on March 12 while his Tuensang and Mokokchung counterparts also issued similar orders today. The Mokokchung District Helpline can be reached at 9436006387/8837420932. In Tuensang, complaints regarding exorbitant prices for masks and hand sanitisers can be reported to Kevethito Rose, EAC, Sadar (8787851115) and Chullen Chang, OC, Tuensang Police Station (9612128948).
Govt advisory to all Urban Local Bodies
The Urban Development Department has issued advisory to all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for strict compliance of several preventive measures within their respective jurisdictions.
• Maintain outmost cleanliness and hygiene in all school/public/departmental transport systems, public toilets and amenities.
• Ensure all Restaurants/Hotels/Eateries etc to maintain outmost cleanliness and hygiene.
• No wild and live animals are to be sold in the market.
• Fish, Poultry and meat are to be sold only at the designated shops/locations duly authorized by the respective ULBs.
• Random butchers and meat shops to be strictly prohibited.
• Rearing of pigs and poultry in close proximity to humans in urban areas should be discouraged.
• Ensure that all the Wards maintain proper sanitation within their jurisdiction. Also prohibit random disposal of garbage etc.
• Hoarding/selling by exorbitant prices items such as hand Sanitizers/Hand wash/Mask etc to be prohibited.
• Sanitary workers/Sweepers of each ULB to be properly sensitized and protective gears and safety measures to be observed compulsorily.
• Fogging and sanitizing vulnerable areas may also be conducted in Co¬ordination with the Health and Family Welfare Department.
• Help lines for the public be established in all the wards in Co -ordination with the Health and family welfare Department.
• All Administrators are to stay vigilant and action taken to be submitted to the Department of Urban Development by March 18.
