COVID 19: Precautionary measures amped up across Nagaland

Passengers line up to be scanned for COVID-19 on arrival at the Dimapur terminal on March 8. (Morung File Photo by Soreishim Mahong)

 

Dimapur, March 16 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Monday expressed appreciation on the preventive measures being taken up by the government of the day to check and prevent COVID-19 in the state. 

In a statement from its Press Bureau, the NPF appealed the State Government to install a COVID-19 test Centre in Nagaland as Guwahati Test Centre is the nearest centre available for the state, making it difficult for the citizens of Nagaland to avail the facility.

NPF also pointed out the vulnerability of the Dimapur Railway station hundreds of people come into Nagaland through the station. As such it suggested that the government closely monitor the station.

The party also urged the Government to check the supply and availability of face masks and hand sanitizers as it is reported that the price of the two items has skyrocketed.

Further, the NPF party called upon the state government to give its best effort to educate the people even in the remotest areas about the safety measures and expressed hope that the government is well equipped with all modern technologies.

Meanwhile, the NPF also called upon the citizens not to remain in fear but instead, uphold one another in prayer so that the Almighty God will save us from the pandemic COVID-19, the statement read.

 

Nagaland Zoological Park to remain closed

Director, Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, Prabhat Kumar, IFS, today issued a press release informing that the Nagaland Zoological Park will remain closed until further notice.  

This has been done as a measure of abundant caution for public health to control the spread of the novel corona virus (COVID- 19) and in line with the health advisory issued by the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi and as per discussion with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland, the release stated.

 

DSSU informs

Meanwhile, the Dimapur Sümi Students’ Union (DSSU) has informed the public to take precautionary measures and file complaints to the concerned authority if any shopkeepers are found selling masks and sanitizers are inflated prices.

In a press release on Monday, the DSSU claimed that several pharmacies/shops are still selling the items at hiked prices despite clear warnings from the State Government. As such, it informed that the public can contact the following persons to file complaints against such malpractices: Bendang, EAC Sadar at 8974896425; Inaka, Rate Controller Inspector, DMC, at 9862929908 or DC Office, DImapur at 03862-248530.

 

TSUD requests state govt

The Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur voiced its concerns on the state preparedness to combat the COVID-19 and requested the state government to restrict entry and movement of travelers in border entry/check-in gates especially in Dimapur.

A TSUD press release also sought the government’s intervention in regulating prices for masks and hand sanitizers and ensuring that hospitals and pharmacies have enough stock of hand sanitizers, masks, gloves, tissues and wipes.  

Further, it requested that the government to ensure regular disinfection of public places, organize community-based awareness programmes in colonies and villages and ensure that hospitals have adequate isolation wards and beds to accommodate patients. 

 

Tizit area enforces precautionary measures

The Konyak Union (Tizit) and the Tizit Area Student's Union (TASU) held a meeting with Minister P Paiwang Konyak, administration officials, police, MO(Tizit) and CSOs of Tizit area and resolved to completely ban both foreign and domestic tourists for the time being.

It also resolved to monitor and screen every individual at every entry and exit point to Tizit jurisdiction and directed all individuals working or studying outside the home state to contact any KU(Tizit) or TASU officials before entering Tizit jurisdiction.

Further, it imposed a strict ban on hunting and consumption of wild animals and requested the commuters to comply with all the resolutions adopted as a preventive measure.

 

KMC notifies 

The Kohima Municipal Council has directed all Panchayat Chairmen under its jurisdiction to ensure  maintenance of “outmost cleanliness and hygiene in all their respective wards, public toilets and amenities and closely monitor/supervise and discourage rearing of pigs and poultry in close proximity to humans in their respective wards.”

It also requested that sanitation workers under respective ward sanitation committees are properly sensitized and provided with basic protective gears and safety measures. 

Further, the KMC requested that proper sanitation measures are maintained and prohibition of random garbage disposal is enforced.

 

Kohima Educational Society informs

Executive Manager of the Kohima Educational Society Mhasisalie Solo on Monday informed that the Kohima Educational Trust’s annual scholarship distribution which was scheduled to be held on March 20 has been postponed indefinitely in view of the COVID-19 threat.

Further information regarding the new date will be published in the local papers as and when decided by the trustees, the press release stated.