Following the WHO’s declaration of coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic, District Task Force (DTF) Mokokchung and Peren held meetings while Medical Officer (SMO) Community Health Centre (CHC) Changtongya organised awareness on coronavirus.
Mokokchung DTF: The Mokokchung District Task Force for Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) convened a meeting at ADC Planning Conference Hall on March 12 to formulate an action plan on preventive measures against the threat of the virus in the district.
According to DIPR report, chairing the meeting, ADC Mokokchung, W. Manpai Phom in his opening remark maintained that no cases of COVID-19 infection has been reported from any part of the state till date but said that they needed to put into place certain preventive measures in order to minimize the transmission risk of the infection into the district.
The members after thorough discussions on the feasible preventive measures that can be taken up in the district decided upon the following measures; entry point surveillance, travellers coming from other part of the country will be scrutinized about their travel history at entry point gates to the district. To put a total ban on weekly bazaars that are held in different parts of the district in order to avoid close contact with the traders mostly coming from neighbouring states. To carry out poster campaign in all the public places along with special emphasis on spreading the awareness during Church programmes to create mass awareness.
It was decided to impart basics on preventive measures to the teachers presently undergoing NISHTHA training in Mokokchung so that they can sensitized the student in their respective schools as a part of awareness campaign. It was also decided to make it mandatory for all the shopkeepers and traders to put on face mask as preventive measures.
The task force decided to approach the government for thermal sensory equipments to make it more convenient while scrutinizing travellers 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 in eventuality of infection cases in the district.
DTF Peren: Peren District Task Force (DTF) meeting on COVID-19 was held on March 13 at DC Peren Office Chamber under the chairmanship of DC Peren-cum-DTF chairman, Sentiwapang Aier.
According to DIPR report, District Surveillance Officer, Dr. Kevi Meyase gave a brief introductory note on COVID-19 and also highlighted on the present status of COVID-19 in Nagaland. He also apprised the board members on some of the early signs and symptoms of COVID-19 as well as on preventive measures.
In the meeting, the members also discussed on the need to create community awareness in the entire sub-divisions of Peren district. Further, DC Peren has assured to issue directives in the form of advisory in the District at the earliest.
Changtongya Town awareness: Awareness programme on novel coronavirus was held at Changtongya Town Hall on March 12 organised by Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Community Health Centre (CHC) Changtongya.
Speaking on the occasion SMO CHC Changtongya, Dr. Jungshi said that coronavirus is also known as COVID-19 that WHO has declared as pandemic to prevent it from spreading. The safest is to avoid closed physical contact to protect and prevent from COVID-19 infection that could occur by touching the eyes, mouth and nose. He also said it can also spread by shaking hands. He informed that the safest greeting to prevent COVID-19 is by a wave nod or a bow, which they should practice.
Dr. Jungshi said they should be well prepared for prevention and to tackle in case of any outbreak of COVID-19 under Changtongya sub-division.
Nurse CHC Changtongya, Asangla Mar highlighted on the common syndrome of coronavirus which includes cough, headache, fever and sneezing. She also spoke on preventive measures to be taken to avoid spreading the disease.
SDO (C) Changtongya, Moakunzuk Tzudir chaired the awareness programme and also delivered a vote of thanks. He urged all stakeholders to spread the awareness on coronavirus.