No Coronavirus case in Nagaland so far

District-wise 'Isolation Wards' set up in state government-run and military hospitals in all the districts as a precautionary measures against coronavirus

 

•    All precautionary measures as prescribed by WHO in place 
•    Persons with travel history to affected countries being monitored

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | February 18 

Nagaland has yet to report any positive Coronavirus (renamed COVID-19 by WHO) case. Meanwhile, according to the Minister for Health & Family Welfare Pangnyu Phom, all precautionary measures possible as prescribed by the World Health Organisation have been put in place. 

Phom told a press conference in Dimapur today that the state has also set aside 52 beds as “Isolation Wards” in state government-run and military hospitals in all the districts. 

As the most populous district and with the only airport in the state, 25 of the total 52 “Isolation Wards” have been set up in Dimapur— 10 at the CIHSR, 5 at the Dimapur District Hospital and 10 at the Rangapahar Military Hospital. 

As far as the Dimapur District Hospital is concerned, it is to be remembered that the District Hospital has yet to have a permanent in-patient ward since the demolition of the old structure. An unused 10-bedded AYUSH centre within the hospital complex is currently serving as the general in-patient ward for the interim. 

He further informed that Surveillance Units have been set up, while Rapid Response Teams have been activated and in a state of readiness, besides other logistics as dictated by protocol. State Health department officials also addressed the press conference. 

Stating that the State Public Health Emergency Operation and Command Centre has been operationalised since January 28, he informed that the state is sending daily report/update to the Central Surveillance Unit of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. He added that Nagaland is the first state in the country to start providing status updates via a special online portal activated by the Union Health Ministry. 

Phom added that as on Tuesday, 94 persons with travel history to China and other affected countries “are on surveillance.” Out of the total, 15 are being kept under Home Isolation and monitored twice a day. Around 60 persons were said to have voluntarily come forward declaring their recent travel to the affected countries. 

Dr Nyan, State Nodal Officer for the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) further reiterated that it does not imply the persons are infected, while maintaining that it is being done as dictated by precautionary protocol. 

“The isolation mechanism is as per WHO protocol. Whosoever are coming from China and found infected or having some history of contact, they are isolated (quarantined) by the Government of India at the board of entry (international airports). After 14 days, if they do not show symptoms they are released,” he informed. 

It is based on the assumption that passengers travelling or returning to the country would come via flights. “The first point of screening is done at all international airports where thermal infrared screening is being done. Those people not exhibiting any symptoms are asked to proceed further. But then again as per the protocol, we have to follow them up for 14 days (in the home state),” said Dr Nyan. Hence, the precautionary screening of passengers at the Dimapur airport, which started on January 30, even though it is not an international airport and the “Home Isolation.”

On rumours that people can be infected from goods coming from affected countries, he maintained that there is no available evidence, as of now, proving the virus can spread through imported items.   

“We are taking all precautionary measures. And there are also stories about transmission from animals to humans but there is no credible evidence to prove as of now. We have given out all advisories that if anyone has some doubt, the person can self declare via the numbers or email provided,” he added. 

The state Health department has asked any person with travel history to China or the affected countries to “self declare” or to reach them through these contacts— 7005415243, 9856071745, 7005539653 or email: nlssu.idsp@nic.in.