With World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring COVID-19 as pandemic, Nagaland state has begun preparedness to tackle possible spread of the virus. In this line, various departments and organisations have issued advisories and information to contain the virus.
DTF Mokokchung: Mokokchung District Task Force (DTF) for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and NGOs held a joint meeting with representatives of elected members from Mokokchung district at the conference hall of ADC (planning).
According to DIPR report, addressing the meeting, DC Mokokchung thanked the legislators for showing concern of the people at a time when fear of the pandemic COVID-19 envelopes the minds of the people.
The Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung on behalf of the DTF of COVID-19, Mokokchung maintained that the DTF is giving all out efforts with whatever facilities and manpower they have for preventive measures in order to contain the spread of novel coronavirus in case of any detection in the district. However, the CMO mentioned the shortage of N95 mask and the absence of ventilator in the district. It was also informed that screening of people entering the district by using thermal scanner would be conducted from today (March 21).
Minister, Tongpang Ozukum in his address congratulated the medical department, district administration, District Task Force for COVID-19 and all those involved for the preparedness and asked for more efforts in giving awareness to the people. Minister Metsubo Jamir on behalf of the state government said that every individual in the state must strictly follow the Nagaland Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulation 2020. He also suggested that those trucks (carrying essential commodities) entering the district and going to other districts via Mokokchung should be allowed to move on convoy and be regulated. The minister also said since people living in the villages are more vulnerable through lack of knowledge. As such, giving awareness through public announcement system would be beneficial while village councils should also be asked to report any suspicious symptoms among the villagers to the DC’s office immediately. He also said that certain restrictions of visitation to villages by outsiders would also help the people to be on the safer side.
DTF Kiphire: Kiphire District Task Force held a meeting for COVID-19 at the DPDB’s Hall Kiphire on March 20. The meeting was attended by its members comprising of district administration Kiphire, medical department, church leaders, police, AR and education department. The meeting discussed about the check post for the screening test to investigate the persons coming from outside/tourist and the house proposed to resolve Longmatra area. DC Kiphire advised the PHE department to regulate water supply for proper hygiene of the mass.
CMO Kiphire advised the public to practice social distance and informed that the medical team and VG Kiphire will be doing the screening test in the border areas from next week. He also stated that they have arranged Duda guest house Kiphire for isolation place. Further, he requested the public to cooperate with the district administration and medical department for the success in preventing the virus. The meeting ended with vote of thanks from DC Kiphire, Sarita Yadav.
DTF Zunheboto: District task force (DTF) Zunheboto conducted meeting and district training for COVID-19 at DCs chamber and CMO office on March 19 and 20. A press release from district media officer stated that Peter Lichamo, DC, Zunheboto chaired the DTF meeting and welcomed all the participants. In his welcome note he encouraged and motivated the participants to take special initiative and informed the public not to panic but to take precautions seriously so that we can be safe from the virus.
Dr. Khehokhu Chishi, CMO highlighted about the district preparedness in regard to COVID-19 while Dr. K. Akaho, Dy.CMO and Dr. Alemwapang Aier, DPO (RCH & UIP) gave detailed introduction on COVID 19. In the meeting, the house decided that all public gatherings/meetings/ seminars/ sports events were to be temporarily suspended in the district and that sub-committees will be appointed to identify quarantine camps in the entire district. While every department in the district was requested to appoint a nodal officer to check the sanitation in their own respective offices, shopkeepers in the district were also directed to avoid hoarding of prices of essential commodities in the district. It stated that all travelers going out in the district and in from the district will be monitored by the sub-committees at various designated check point.
Meanwhile, during the district training for COVID-19 Peter Lichamo, exhorted the participants while Dr. Khehokhu Chishi, CMO, Zunheboto gave the keynote address.
Dr. Hotokhu, director (dental), directorate of health and family welfare, Kohima reviewed about the district preparedness and situation and emphasised all the health workers to be in their place of posting mandatorily and the need to follow up as per the guidelines set by the government.
He also emphasised about the importance of COVID-19 awareness at grassroots level. Dr. Alemwapang Aier DPO (RCH &UIP) spoke on information management, environment cleaning, disinfection and bio waste management, laboratory surveillance and risk communication and community engagement. Dr. Chumdemo, Jr. Specialist, DH, Zunheboto highlighted about infection prevention and control standards precautions, demonstration donning and doffing of PPE, clinical case management, hospital preparedness and non-pharmaceutical interventions, while Dr. Zhekheli Chishi, epidemiologist, DSU stressed on the global/India update and epidemiology, risk assessment and cluster containment strategy and community assessment.
The meeting and training was attended by DC, SP, CMO, Dy.CMO, DPO, DTO, medical officers, Church leaders, ZCCI, ZRSU, STH, GB’s, ZAPO, ANPSA-Zunheboto.
DTF Longleng: District Task Force (DTF) Longleng held a meeting on Coronavirus (COVID-19) at DC’s conference hall on March 20 in the presence of Dr. Sheila Longkumer, WHO consultant.
In a press release from the district media officer, the meeting discussed on immediate renovation of isolation ward with attached toilets and bathrooms, to maintain a separate register in the OPD and emergency for fever cases, to identify quarantine place for the district and to come up with micro plans for training programs for government departments, NGOs, village authorities and church leaders. The meeting also discussed to form a sub-division task force on COVID-19 where medical officers were appealed to send the details at the earliest, while leaflets and pamphlets on basic sanitation habits were to be translated in local dialect and distributed in every household and setting up of a screening team at all check points which will be deployed at strategic location where screening team will be authorised to investigate on tour history of any suspected person coming from outside the district.
Further, the press release stated that Dr Marina Yaden, district surveillance officer, Dr Temsusashi, sr specialist district hospital and Dr Molung Jamir, epidemiologist IDSP were appointed as district nodal officers for COVID-19. Earlier, the meeting was chaired by DC M ShayungPhom. The meeting was attended by district administration, superintendent of Police, chief medical officer, medical officers from district hospital, CMO office, district education officer, Phom student’s conference, disaster management and others.
DSSU: Office of Dimapur Sümi Students’ Union (DSSU) took this initiative of setting up a washbasin for public use at different locations around Dimapur i.e., at Dimapur railway station, Marwaripatti near durga mandir, Nagaland gate, city tower near KK restaurant and at Dhobinala opposite SBI. In a press release, DSSU stated that the team was led by Kahito Chishi, president and Vitopu Ayemi, general secretary along with executives and unit representatives. The team stated that it was important that people take preventive measures and follow the instructions provided by the health department. The initiative was conducted with a purpose to create awareness among the people with under the theme, “prevention is better than cure”. The team also urged educated public not to panic on the issue but to create awareness among family and friends.
DC Dimapur: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has issued following measures to be followed in Dimapur district with immediate effect: Public are advised to avoid social gatherings and remain at home as far as possible; all persons including students studying outside who have entered the state on or before March 1 from outside are advised to compulsorily quarantine themselves and contact helpline numbers 7005415243/9856071745/7005539653 or send e-mail to nlssu.idsp@nic.in of the health and family welfare department, government of Nagaland for guidance and for getting themselves screened; public can also contact Dimapur district helpline numbers – Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, DSO (9612288073), Dr. Kainyu, epidemiologist (9612484361). Aomar, data manager IDSP (8974837380), COVID-19 Dimapur district control room (7630877991/7630877983), state COVID-19 helpline (7005415243/9856071745/7005539653) and toll free number 1070.
DC Kohima: Following the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as pandemic, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has directed all banks located under Kohima district to sanitize all the ATM booths and bank counters with medical recommended sanitizers on a regular basis to prevent and control the outbreak. It also informed that hand sanitizers should also be kept for customers at the ATM booths. This directive comes into force with immediate effect.
DC Wokha: Owing to the need to take measures for preventing and controlling the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wokha district and as a matter of abundant caution, Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Orenthung Lotha has informed that all public entry to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha will be restricted with immediate effect from the date of issue of this order. Issue of fresh ILP, Aadhaar, ST/IIC/PRC and Character Certificates shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders. It also informed that only exceptional cases which require immediate attention will be entertained on request. Public are therefore requested to extend their co-operation and practice social distancing from each other to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This order is issued for information and strict compliance.
DC Mokokchung: In view of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as pandemic and as per the directives from the state government and in the interest of the public, DC Mokokchung has informed that the enrolment activity where records of the fingers are being taken under Aadhar Enrolment Agency in the district is temporarily suspended with immediate effect. The enrolment activity would resume as and when the situation becomes normal.
DC Phek: With the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a meeting was held at Phek Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall on March 19 under the chairmanship of Phek DC, Sachin Jaiswal. The DC called upon the members present to spread the message in order to take preventive measures by avoiding public gatherings. He advised them to put masks for safety measure and wash hand frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer. He also informed them to be well prepared in all the areas where check posts will be opened in all nook and corner of Phek district to take stock of the prevailing situation.
ADC Sanis: ADC Sanis, Zibenthung Kithan has informed that in view of the World Health Organisation declaring the unprecedented outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic; it has become imperative as a pre-emptive measure in the interest of the public. In this regard, all weekly bazaars under Sanis sub-division shall remain suspended until further notice with immediate effect, as mass gatherings are most vulnerable to the unabated spread of the disease. The general public are therefore requested to cooperate and bear with the inconvenience for the time being.
Police training: Training on screening of COVID-19 for police officers and police personnel was held Friday at the Conference Hall of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur. At the training, Dimapur district surveillance officer, Dr. Imtiwabong urged the trainees to mandatorily screen all passengers and vehicles entering the state, especially the private vehicles, hired taxis and buses.
He also informed the trainees to contact the COVID-19 Control Room for any suspected cases and refer them to District Hospital for further screening and isolation, if needed. ZLO, Dr. Heto demonstrated the use of thermal scanner. He informed that the mode of transmission was through droplets and advised maintaining a meter distance while screening.
The training was held in three batches for a total of 57 police officers and personnel. The medical department stated that the training of police was necessary as they can assist the medical staff in the screening passengers at the entry points.
Phek: Office of the Chief Medical Officer Phek conducted a district level training on COVID-19 Friday at the Conference Hall of District Hospital, Phek. A press release by the office of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Phek informed that the training was conducted to sensitize the health workers about Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) that is fast spreading globally.
In a keynote address, CMO Phek, Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo briefed the gathering on the objectives of the training and apprised the health workers to be prepared to tackle any eventualities. She informed the blocks to form Block Task Force (BTF) and to create awareness on COVID-19 in their respective blocks. The resource persons, DH Phek, Dr. K. Kuotsu, DH Phek, Dr.Limanukshi, DVBO, Dr. Lanuakum and epidemiologist, Dr. Limatoshi trained the health workers on how to prevent infection and control standard precautions, maintain environmental cleaning, disinfection and biomedical waste management, how to identify severe cases clinically etc. Demonstration of donning and doffing of Personal Protection Equipments (PPE) was also conducted by the trained nurses on COVID-19.
Altogether 63 of block SMOs, MOs, nurses, MOs from Assam Rifle and 5th NAP battalion, CMO staffs, NHM staffs, MOs from DH attended the training.
TCCI: Tuensang Chamber of Commerce & Industries (TCCI) on March 19 while taking preventive measure for COVID-19 provided hand wash facility in Tuensang town for public. TCCI also put up a “Public Advisory for Corona Virus (COVID-19)” banner.
KDPA: In view of COVID-19, Kohima District Pensioners Association (KDPA) has informed that its office will remain closed from March 23 to April 12. KDPA said the closure is in approval of the district administration and in order to take care of the health of its members who are over 65 years.
F&CS Dimapur: Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) Dimapur, assistant director, S Kavito Aomi has directed all the urban/rural Fair Price Shops (FPS) under Dimapur district to remain open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to issue food grains to a maximum of 20-30 beneficiaries in a day till further order. The office said the directive is to avoid mass gathering as part of preventive measure to stop the spread of COVID-19.
KMC: Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) while informing the general public that waste management cannot be stopped and that the sanitary workers does not have the privilege of working from home during the “unfortunate times” of COVID-19 has appealed the citizens to follow the following basic waste management practices at home during the pandemic period to reduce the impact on the workers. The measures are: dispose wastes like tissues, sanitizer bottle, mask etc. consciously; reduce domestic waste generation and use reusable dispensers for liquid soap, sanitizers etc; always segregate waste, ensure minimum garbage and maximum recycling.
Dimapur Bn: Dimapur battalion of Assam Rifles on March 17 conducted an awareness lecture on COVID-19 at Herbert Spencer School, Dimapur. During the lecture, students were sensitised about the precautionary measures required to be taken against COVID-19.
Jalukie Bn: Jalukie battalion of Assam Rifles conducted an awareness programme on preventive measures against Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 15 at Government School, Nchangram.
The lecture emphasized upon spreading awareness regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Various symptoms and preventive measures against Coronavirus were also covered.
Chieswema Bn: Chieswema battalion of Assam Rifles organised a free medical camp on March 18 and March 20 at Nerehma village, Kohima and Lekromi village, Phek respectively. The aim of the camp was to provide basic medicines and basic diagnosis to residents from all walks of life across all age groups. The medical officer also imparted awareness about various lifestyle diseases and precautions to be taken to prevent Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Kohima Bn: Kohima battalion of Assam Rifles held an informal interaction with youth Model Village, T Khel, Kohima on the need to practice good hygiene practices to keep from Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to refrain from indulging in spreading fake news regarding the virus.
The Battalion, in another event, conducted a medical camp on March 18 at Chedema village, Kohima. Apart from providing medical assistance, knowledge on prevention from Coronavirus (COVID-19) was imparted. Emphasis on importance of hygiene was explained to the residents for better living standard.
Meriyan, L Yanthung and Totsu Villge councils inform: As precautionary measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus(COVID-19), the three village council– Meriyan, L. Yanthung and Totsu Village– have resolved to impose total ban on entry of non-inhabitants, especially non-locals from neighbouring state entering for rubber tapping work with effect from the date of publishing this notification till further notice.