As Nagaland continues to fight the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, many civil society organisations, churches, other faith based organisations and individuals have come forward to help those in need. The state government and respective district administrations are also sensitising the public by organising various awareness and prevention activities, vaccination and issuing advisories and directives in the interest of the public.
CMO Dimapur & team supervise: A medical team led by chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. I. Moatemjen Saturday visited New Piphema village and Community Health Centre (CHC) Medziphema on to monitor and supervise the ongoing COVID-19 activities.
A press release by the office of CMO Dimapur stated that the CMO along with district surveillance officer, Dr. Kavito, epidemiologists Dr. Molung Jamir and Dr. Kainyu Konyak, and media officer Kimnei visited New Piphema village where random sample collection was being carried out.
During the visit, Dr. Moatemjen interacted with the village authorities and advised them on the required measures to be undertaken to prevent the spread of the virus within the community. He also ensured that the medical team would provide necessary support and guidance and urged the villagers to cooperate with the department.
The team also visited and inspected the CHC Medziphema to assess the progress of the upcoming COVID Care Centre (CCC). The team reviewed the logistics and manpower required to convert the CHC into CCC. CMO also made a brief visit to the State Oxygen Depot at Police Complex Chümoukedima.
Resting place for frontline workers: Dimapur Christian Fellowship (DCF) located at Darogapathar, Dimapur has converted the church’s main sanctuary hall into a makeshift resting place for frontline workers such as doctors, nurses and anyone fighting COVID-19 pandemic. The 20-bedded facility has been handed over to district task force Dimapur. The church members have also volunteered to provide food and refreshment to the occupants. Interested persons have been asked to contact DTF Dimapur or contact the church at 9862949596.
Kikheto lauds CSOs, churches & others: Nodal officer for Dimapur district, Y Kikheto Sema Saturday appreciated the civil society organisations, churches, individuals and others for their contributions in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
According to DIPR report, Kikheto along with commissioner of police Rothihu Thetso attended a function organised by Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church at New Naga Cemetery, Dimapur. The team thanked the church and Lotha youth for sponsoring 20 readymade concrete grave-pits for those who could not afford the cost of burial.
Kikheto lamented that some COVID victims buried in the cemetery had remained unidentified and urged the family members to identify the grave of the departed so that proper tombstone could be constructed.
Quarantine centre for health workers: Council of Rengma Baptist Churches and Tseminyu Old Town Baptist Church have also offered their guest houses for quarantine of doctors and health workers. It has been informed that if required Christian School and Don Bosco, Tseminyu could be converted to quarantine centres.
DC Mon informs on vaccination: DC Mon Thavaseelan K has informed the public on the following COVID-19 vaccination advisories: in case one is not able to go for vaccination on the date of appointment, he/shecan reschedule the appointment by clicking on “reschedule” tab in the portal/app; one can cancel an appointment already scheduled and also reschedule the appointment and choose another date or time slot of your convenience; once an appointment is scheduled, one will receive the details of the vaccination centre, date and time slot chosen for appointment in an SMS sent to their registered mobile number. The appointment slip can also be downloaded and printed or saved on smartphones.
DCs seal houses/buildings: DC Mon Thavaseelan K has ordered the sealing of house no.15, Chingai ward, Mon town till further order.
Meanwhile, DC Peren Sentiwapang Aier has notified that in view of the detection of COVID-19 positive patient and in order to take preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, district hospital, Peren has been sealed with immediate effect until further notice. The DC has also advised the public to follow all safety precautions, especially within the proximity of the sealed area.
Further, the DCs have informed that any person violating the containment measures would be liable to be proceeded against as per the provision of sections 51 to 60 of disaster management act 2005 besides legal action under IPC section 188 and other legal provisions as applicable.
In view of the evolving COVID-19 situation in the district and in order to help deal with mental health concerns arising during this stressful time, DTF Mon facilitated counseling services for residents of Mon district. One may contact the counselors of the district counseling team at the numbers given below for spiritual and emotional support:
Rev. A. Peihwang Wangsa Education & literature secretary, KBBB 9366154994
Rev. L. Metjen Church & evangelism secretary, KBBB 8974510201
Dr. A.M. Poangba Mission secretary, KBBB 6909248538
Lemya Women secretary, KBBB 9366628434
Eunice Asst. professor, MTC 8119018225
Lalit Sharma Pandit, temple, Mon 7085260107
Abdul Wahid Barbhuiya Imam, mosque, Mon 7630057979