District administration along with line departments of various districts have been holding trainings and meetings as preparedness measures against the possible outbreak of COVID-10 in the state.
Kiphire: Department of Health & Family Welfare Kiphire district held a one-day training on COVID-19 for the health workers in the district on Thursday.
Deputy commissioner Kiphire, Sarita Yadav in her speech said that health workers in the district should disseminate proper information to the people about the deadly Coronovirus COVID-19. She said that the situation was serious but asked people not to panic as the district was ready to tackle when real situation arises. She also discouraged big gathering but rather stay indoor as she said that the only escape from this disease was prevention. DC further asked the trainees to learn and inform what they had learned. CMO Kiphire, Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton asked the participants to be cautious on the COVID-19 disease and appealed the health workers to disseminate proper information to the public as per the training. District immunization officer Kiphire, Dr. Pewezo Khalo in his keynote address declared that, Kiphire has shortage of doctors and nurses and there will be shortage of re-enforcement when real time arises. He however said that with this limited staff, the District Hospital Kiphire was ready to tackle the situation. DIO also said people should not rely on social media but should authenticate the news and then keep alert. Medical officer DHK Dr. Dheni, highlighted about the training and about the preparedness in the district. Deputy commissioner Kiphire, additional SP Kiphire and medical officials also visited the isolation ward in the district. Awareness training was chaired by medical officer DHK, Dr. Apila Sangtam. (Correspondent)
DHS Longleng: District health society (DHS) Longleng organised training on COVID-19 at CMO conference hall on March 19 with trainers, Dr. Sheila, WHO consultant, Dr. Molung Jamir, epidimiologist IDSP, Dr. Marina Yaden district surveillance officer (DSO), and Dr. Temsusashi, sr specialist district hospital. A press release from CMO office district media officer stated that, Dr. Obangjungla, chief medical officer appealed the participants to be attentive during the training so that when they go back to their own health units and disseminate the information properly. Dr. Marina Yaden spoke on global, India and Nagaland update and epidemiology while Dr Sheila spoke on risk management, environmental cleaning etc and also demonstrated the donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Dr Molung Jamir spoke on cluster containment strategy and community surveillance and information management while Dr Temsusashi spoke on infection, prevention and control-standard precautions and additional precautions etc. Training was attended by medical doctors from three blocks, nurses from each sub-centre, doctors and nurses from district hospital, Dr. Vincent Merry 12th NAP, Ihoilung Chuilo, EAC Longleng Hq, Binu-v medical assistant 23rd Assam Rifles Longleng, block program managers, ASHA co-ordinators, DCM, district media officer and IDSP staff.
DC Zunheboto: DC Zunheboto has issued directives and advisories in the general interest of public under Zunheboto district: Pamphlets on sensitization on COVID-19 are to be distributed to all concerned by the office of the CMO, Zunheboto and signed by the concerned authorities followed by distribution by March 22; All public gatherings/meetings/seminars/sports events are to be temporarily suspended in the district and that, sub-committees will be appointed to identify quarantine camps in the entire district; DEF/AR/BSF requested to set up quarantine camps for their personnel at their own respective camps and DTF to write to the concerned department to provide ICU with ventilator for district hospital, Zunheboto as currently there are no ventilators available in the district hospital; Every department in the district to appoint a nodal officer to check the sanitisation in their own respective offices and all the shopkeepers in the district to avoid hoarding of prices of essential commodities in the district; Churches requested to disseminate information to the people as well as the sub-committees to monitor travelers going in and out from the district at various designated check points.
TDTF: Tuensang district task force (TDTF) for COVID-19 held meeting at DC conference hall on March 19, attended by its members comprising district administration, Medical, Police, AR, NGOs, ward representatives, VG and education. According to DIPR report, meeting discussed on setting up of screening team which will be deployed at the strategic location, where screening team will be authorized to investigate on tour history of any such suspected person coming from outside the state/tourist. Dr. John has been nominated as nodal officer for Tuensang district. House also resolved to nominate one representative of officer rank from AR, Police, NAP, and Medical department. House discussed on identification of building for quarantine measures and located St John Higher Secondary School and Baptist Thangyen School building to propose. DC and chairman TDTF COVID-19 advised the PHED to regulate water supply for proper hygiene of the mass. Chairman and DC Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant also advised all concerned to identify individuals coming back from outside the state so that quarantine processes shall be initiated.
ADC Tening: Additional deputy commissioner-cum-chairperson of sub-divisional task force (SDTF), COVID-19, Tening, Rhosietho Nguori has issued advisories for public interest as per DIPR report: Public are advised to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness especially in public places like markets, public gathering and educational institutions; Reiterating earlier order issued by the ADC office all sorts of hunting activities involving human contact with wild animals and birds stands banned till further notice; Public are advised to avoid all forms of non essential travel outside the state, especially in places where there are reported incidence of COVID-19 and places vulnerable for such like in inter-state border hamlets; All forms of weekly bazaars wherein traders from outside the state come in for trade is/are, hereby, banned till further notice. Mass public gatherings are also discouraged to this extent till the situation is contained; NGOs/CSOs and all village council are directed to strictly monitor and report entry of outsiders or travelers in their respective jurisdiction to the SDTF on COVID-19; For any assistance/queries on COVID-19, reach out to SDTF helpline at 9612581203/7085799022/9862757264/9612034784.
TCCI: Tuensang Chamber of Commerce & Industries (TCCI) informed to all concerned that at present there were enough stock of all the essential commodities in the market and public need not panic of any shortages due to COVID-19. In this regard, TCCI issued the following measures as per DIPR report: All shops have been directed not to indulge in hording or create any artificial shortages of essential commodities, they have been advised to frequently check their inventory and keep sufficient stock to cover any eventuality. They have been directed not to sell hand sanitizers and masks higher than the market price; Businesses dealing in service sector like tea stall, restaurants, hotels, clinics and nursing homes have been directed to double their effort in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene round the clock; Drivers of all commercial vehicles, buses and Tata Sumo who frequently travel in and out of the jurisdiction of Tuensang district have also been directed to keep hand sanitizers at their disposal; All shops have been directed to keep hand sanitizers at their disposal and use them as and when required by them as well as for the customers; Finally it has clearly directed to all shops and businesses establishment in Tuensang town that if any of the above mentioned is violated, culprit will be dealt with sternly according to the resolution of the TCCI and handed over to the competent authority thereafter for further action.
ZDTF: Zunheboto district task force (ZDTF) for Covid-19 held its first meeting in Zunheboto on March 19, headed by deputy commissioner, Peter Lichamo to discuss and access the situation in the district, measures undertaken and possible steps forward in regard to spreading awareness about the virus and preparedness of the district in case of an outbreak. Health and Family Welfare department, Zunheboto district, gave an update on their preparedness. Some of the measures undertaken included: All medical staff to be in their respective posting places; All pending leaves remain cancelled excluding categories like maternity leaves; Identification of quarantine wards has been done; All ambulances have been serviced and are in excellent condition; Doctors and nurses who will man isolation wards have been trained in Kohima; Protective equipment available and thermal scanners are on its way from Kohima; Sub-divisional task forces have been formed; Helpline numbers available; Control room for Covid-19 have been set up; Training camp for all doctors including private practitioners and army doctors has been scheduled for March 20; Awareness campaign to be launched in all churches beginning March 22; Pamphlets to build awareness and provide guidelines will be widely disseminated in the district and will be available in both English and Sumi dialects; There will no meetings, seminars and mass gatherings in the district. Chamber of commerce assured that there was no foreseeable reason for a shortage of essential food supplies and commodities in the district.
RD department: Rural Development department has informed all rural functionaries of the state, VDBs, and SHGs (NSRLM) to remain alert to the risk posed by COVID-19, and have been directed to ensure the following precautionary measures: To immediately report to the district administration about any causes of concern related to the symptoms of COVID-19 among any of its citizens; To restrict unnecessary entry/movement of its citizens and visitors to the villages; To implement orders/advisories issued by the government from time to time, concerning public gatherings, unnecessary travel, etc.
DDADU: Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) has informed all auto-drivers plying in and around Dimapur to keep their autos clean, use mask and hand sanitizers.
In a press release, DDADU president, Tito Yepthomi has asked the drivers to take note of the directive and implement it and added that the union would conduct regular checking.
Meanwhile, DDADU has also asked the medical personnel on duty to utilise the union’s ambulance during any emergency situation and contact 7005041574 for the same. The union has also offered free voluntary ride to medical personnel “facing difficulties reaching their place of duty”.
LSU: Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has stated that all picnicking activities should be stopped until further notice in regard to COVID-19 and restricts all students going for picnic under its jurisdiction. A press release from LSU president Ashanthung Humtsoe and general secretary, Pithungo Shitio has appealed to the concerned department to issue thermal scanner and necessary equipments required at the earliest since Wokha district shares the longest border belt with Assam where it requires to cross-check all inbound commuters. LSU also requested the concerned department to issue adequate safety suit to those who are engaged in checking at check gate, as students who are pursuing education from different states in India are returning back home due to the pandemic COVID-19. Union also adviced students and others just returning from outside Nagaland to Wokha district to be home quarantined immediately.
NSUP: Naga Students’ Union Phagwara (NSUP) Punjab, has urged Naga students to undergo thermal screening present at the university main gate and in case of emergencies or queries a helpline has been setup for Naga students. A press release from NSUP media cell stated that, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSUP executives held an emergency meeting on March 18 at Phagwara, chaired by Imsanger Jamir NSUP president. Various possible measures for the prevention of the virus were discussed and final decisions were made regarding the same. NSUP stated that, due to the complete shutdown of universities and colleges, varying number of students have already departed for home and the few remaining were still residing within the campus. NSUP executives have decided to provide hand sanitizers and masks for all Naga students who still remain within the campus and are unable to avail such facilities. At present no cases of students being infected by the virus has been reported. The following contacts have been made available at 917005107979/ 919612686068.