Kohima, March 21 (MExN): The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DH&FW), Nagaland has stated that “no test for COVID-19 will be done on demand except for those fulfilling the case definition issued by Government from time to time.”
“Suspected persons will be kept in mandatory designated quarantine place(s) till the test results are available,” Dr Vizolei Suokhrie, Principal Director, DH&FW stated in a public notice.
“If you are healthy, no need to wear mask,” it added.
The Principal Director in exercise of the powers conferred by the Nagaland Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897 has issued advisories in the interest of public service requesting every citizen of the State to watch for development of acute onset of following signs and symptoms: fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing with travel history to affected areas or History of Contact with positive COVID-19 cases.
“If any of the said signs or symptoms is observed, visit the nearest health facility for further advice and treatment or call Helpline,” Dr Suokhrie stated.
Any persons with such symptoms and signs are advised to follow safe practices, practice hand hygiene, practice respiratory hygiene, to dispose safely all contaminated items such as used masks, tissue papers etc, adopt healthy lifestyle-proper diet, adequate sleep, exercise and avoid social physical contact instead use electronic means to contact other family and friends as well as avoid smoking, consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances.
DH&FW also advises all to maintain cleanliness at home including disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and toilets with standard disinfectants or detergents and extend full cooperation to health personnel and authorities.
Further, senior citizens (60+ years), children and persons with underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, respiratory diseases, pregnant women, heart and kidney diseases, immunocompromised patients or those patients under steroids and immunosuppressants medications are advised to remain at home and avoid crowded areas or places.
Public are also requested to avoid spreading rumors, stay calm and do not panic, avoid non-essential travels, crowded places, social gatherings etc, avoid social visits to hospitals and patients, not to go to hospitals except for emergencies, avoid congestion in public places, offices, hospitals and maintain social distancing etc and avoid random spitting at home and public places.
“Do not stigmatize and discriminate suspected COVID-19 case. Support each other, support your neighbours. Let every citizen pledge to abide by the advisories,” the Principal Director added.
