State government has been taking measures to ensure that COVID-19 pandemic does not spread out to community by stringently monitoring the returnees at quarantine centres. TrueNat machines are being installed in various districts which would help in getting samples tested easier and reducing cost of transporting samples elsewhere for testing. Churches and civil organisations have been manning the quarantine kitchens to provide food to returnees, frontline workers and caretakers of quarantine centres. Awareness to public about the seriousness of the virus is undertaken by various departments through sensitisation programmes. District administrations are segregating the returnees to various quarantine centres and monitoring the positive cases, mainly from Chennai and Gurugram returnees. Various organisations have also been augmenting the kitchen expenses of quarantine centres by providing organic vegetables for the inmates. Meanwhile, public have been advised to follow the essential preventive measures as per government guidelines for safety of all.
Longleng District
TrueNat machine Launched in Longleng
TrueNat machine was finally launched at District COVID-19 Hospital, Longleng and dedicated by executive secretary of Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) Tialemba Phom on June 17.
According to DIPR report, the launching programme was held in the presence of government officials, NGOs and civil societies led by the deputy commissioner, M. Shayung Phom, superintendent of Police Yanithung Ezung and president of Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC).
In his launching speech, DC expressed his gratitude to the chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, the Health Minister S. Pangnyu Phom, officers and all ranks and files of the department of Health & Family Welfare for providing the TrueNat machine and posting of an anaesthetist. He asserted that with the launching of TrueNat machine the travel expenditure, time constrain and problem of manpower would be minimized and expedite result on time. DC further appealed to the medical fraternity to utilize the machine sincerely with utmost care and cater best service to the people.
He also acknowledged the consolidated effort and tireless service rendered by the frontline workers, medical fraternity, DTF, administration, police, government officials, PPC, PBCA, Phomla Hoichem, PSC, churches and individuals for their cooperation and support besides contribution in kind and cash. Shayung maintained that the good teamwork can be felt when the district is peaceful without complains and untoward incidents reported from any quarter, and asserted that so far no such unpleasant incidents have taken place in the district during the combat against COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, in his keynote address Dr. Lhouzovituo Belho MS District Hospital Longleng informed that TrueNat double channel machine was received along with 200 cartridges of test kits and said testing for quarantine centres would start after the launch programme. Dr. Belho asserted that launching of TrueNat machine has relieved the burden of the department and assured that the hospital was confident enough to combat with the virus. He also explained the provisions and advantage of the machines for other diseases besides coronavirus.
In his short speech, president Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) also lauded the government and the department for the TrueNat machine and informed that the PPC was planning to procure a TrueNat machine which will be delivered to the hospital shortly. He also assured to provide fullest cooperation and support to the frontline workers to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Programme was chaired by Dr. Ademla senior medical officer, Longleng and benediction was proposed by Tialemba Phom ES, PBCA.
Kohima District
PHED holds review meeting of JJM in Kohima
A review meeting for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was held in the office of the chief engineer, Public Health Engineering department at Kohima on June 17.
A press release from JJM nodal officer PHED Seyievizo stated that, the meeting was held in the presence of minister of PHED Jacob Zhimomi and principal secretary, PHED M. K. Mero and attended by the senior officers of the department.
In his exhortation to the officers of the department, the minister mentioned that providing Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to all the households in the country under JJM was a priority of the government of India. Therefore, he called upon the officers of the department to implement work on war footing to meet the targets on time which was previously disrupted by the lockdown due to COVID-19.
Churches/organisations continue to volunteer
Bethel Kitchen, the common kitchen set up by the District Task Force, Kohima at Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), convention hall has been providing meal to the inmates, officials and workers at quarantine centres in Kohima since June 3.
According to DIPR report, the food committee, DTF, Kohima is overseeing the functioning of the kitchen and inspite of the criticisms being faced, the committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that quality food are being provided.
Churches, organisations and individuals in Kohima have been volunteering daily in preparing, packaging and delivering food to the quarantine centres. Volunteers from Ungma Senso Telongjem (UST), Kohima, on June 17 sponsored and prepared meals for around 1,520 inmates at K. Badze and Meriema quarantine centres.
Report on COVID-19 lockdown
The daily report on law and order and facilitation of essential goods and services informed that 3 violations of the lockdown were reported and as remedial steps, 3 persons were bound down as on June 17. According to DIPR report joint secretary, Hiazu Meru added that no law and order incident has been reported in the state. According to the report, shops for essential goods including milk remain opened in all the districts except Mokokchung. The report also maintained that no shortage of essential commodities have been reported in any part of the state. It added that no movement restriction was imposed for the distribution of essential commodities and on e-commerce agents. The report also informed that suitable arrangements have been made for providing food and shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. In this regard, there is 1 (one) active relief/shelter camp and 1 (one) food camp.
Mon District
Mon DTF working on new SOP after 21 tested COVID positive
Amidst the increase of COVID-19 positive cases in Mon district with 21 cases as of June 17, the Mon District Task Force (DTF) has begun to work on new standard operating procedure (SPO).
All the positive patients were of Chennai returnees who had first tested negative during their institutional quarantine in Dimapur. Upon their return to Mon headquarter they were kept in quarantine centres for another 14 days as per the district Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) and on the fifth day of their return, six persons tested COVID positive, out of seven samples tested.
Since then, the number was on the increasing side and till today 111 samples have been tested, out of which 21 was tested positive. Another 31 has been tested through TrueNat machine and reports are awaited.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, DC Mon Thaveseelan K informed that seven persons amongst Chennai returnees will be reaching Mon tomorrow and likewise they will be quarantined for seven days since they were returning after completing 26 days in institutional quarantine centre in Dimapur. He added that next week, the 210 returnees from Bangalore will be tested followed by 83 returnees from Gujarat and Maharashtra.
DC informed that there were about 1200 persons in quarantine centres in Mon and around 250 returnees were released on completion of 28 days and after testing negative and currently they were under home quarantine. He said all the returnees will be released only after their samples were tested.
State nodal officer Dr. Nyan informed that altogether there were 1274 Chennai returnees and all of them were under district/community quarantine centres and some of them were under home quarantine under active surveillance. He said till today Chennai returnees has the highest COVID positive followed by Gurgaon, Delhi.
(Correspondent)
Tuensang District
Noklak Sub-Divisional Planning & Development Board deliberates on dismal HSLC results
The monthly meeting of Noklak Sub-Divisional Planning & Development Board (SDPDB) for the month of June was held at the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) hall on June 17, chaired by the additional deputy commissioner, and vice-chairman SDPDB Noklak M. Chaitanya Prasad.
According to DIPR report, the house discussed HSLC & HSSLC result 2020 conducted by NBSE, as reported by the principal, GHSS Noklak, Y. Khongkhao Lushing.
The house deliberated at length regarding the dismal performance of the HSLC results whereas performance at the HSSLC level has been commendable, for which the house congratulated the school authority for producing subject topper and over all satisfactory result. However, the consecutive dismal HSLC results of the same school called for certain corrective measures, for which the house recommended the concerned school authority for strict attendance, conduct of parent -teachers meeting etc.
The house was briefed on the over-all scenario of COVID-19 in the state and the district by the vice-chairman following which, the senior medical officer, CHC Noklak suggested the need to acquire TrueNat machine taking into consideration the vulnerability due to remoteness and porous international border of the sub-division.
The matter is slated to be discussed in the next COVID-19 Noklak Task Force meeting. Coy Commander, 3rd NAP Noklak stated that some ward/sectors have resorted to erecting of barricades in the entrance of the respective colonies in view of the COVD-19 scare, the house identified the need for proper sensitisation to dispel rumours, misconceptions in order to discourage people resorting to unwanted activities. Medical department has been entrusted to conduct community awareness programme at the earliest. The LADP proposals for the year 2020-21 as submitted to the house by the advisors of 56 and 57 assembly constituencies were introduced for approval of the house.
As per the laid down government guidelines, the proposals were discussed and passed by the house. In view of the onset of monsoon, the house decided to conduct mass social work in their respective office premise on June 20.
Zunheboto District
Sumi Totimi Hoho visits female inmates at quarantine centre
Sumi Totimi Hoho delivered dignity packages for all the female internees housed at the cultural hall, quarantine centre, Zunheboto on June 17. According to DIPR report, STH president, Kheholi Assumi briefly spoke to the inmates while maintaining a safe distance, she gave some advice and shared good wishes for their health and well being from every Sumi mother. The package contained essential toiletries and a Bible. She asked them to think of the hamper as a small gift from their mother. The team prayed for the inmates before handing out the packages which carried a small message saying “We care and love you, stay safe!”.
Kiphire District
18 returnees arrive at Kiphire
Eighteen persons arrived at Kiphire town by two NST buses early morning on June 17. According to DIPR report, the total number of persons were eighteen including 16 males and two females. DTF members led by deputy commissioner Kiphire Sarita Yadav recieved them. Returnees were also handed food packs. All the returnees at the arrival were thoroughly screened and conveyed to institutional quarantine established at Loyola Higher Secondary School Kiphire. At present, 201 (two hundred and one) persons are being accommodated in the government institutional quarantine under Kiphire district i.e. 199 persons in Kiphire town and 2 persons at Sitimi.
Peren District
Peren District Task Force holds review meeting
Peren District COVID-19 Task Force review meeting was held at customary court, ADC office Jalukie on June 17, under the chairmanship of ADC Jalukie, Dr.Tinojongshi Chang and was also attended by Joint Action Committee (JAC) on COVID-19 members.
According to DIPR report, since 28 days institutional quarantine period for returnees from Chennai was about to be completed after a day or two, the board members after a lengthy deliberation resolved to re-collect returnees samples selectively from quarantine centres and further run testing in TrueNat machine. The members also decided to direct village/ward councils to keep Chennai returnees in respective community quarantine for 14 days more after they were released from their institutional quarantine centres arranged by district administration.
During the meeting, discussion was also held in regard to 9 females & 5 male returnees who were considered as under exempted categories, wherein the DTF and JAC resolved to ascertain proper address before transporting them to their respective sub-division.
Returnees from Delhi arrive at Jalukie
Peren district received a total of 99 Delhi returnees from Dimapur on June 16 at GHSS ground, Jalukie. According to DIPR report, out of 99 returnees, 56 were males and 43 were females. On arrival the returnees were screened by the medical team, afterwhich they were segregated and later sent off to their respective quarantine centres arranged by the district administration. Food packets and beddings were also provided by the district administration.