Nagaland: Edu institutes shut till April 12, ban on tourists

Kohima, MARCH 16 (MExN): The Nagaland Government today directed the closure of all educational institutions and universities in the State from March 17 to April 12 as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic. Exception has been made for the ongoing CBSE, CISCE and other board examinations.

The government further banned entry of all foreign and domestic tourists into the State with effect from March 18 till further orders. 

A slew of other measures and directives were also issued to prevent the pandemic from spreading in the State. (See Table)
These decisions were taken during a high-level meeting in Kohima today, where Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio discussed preventive measures with top State officials. 

Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Vizolie Suokhrie informed that the State till date had no reported or suspected case. He stated that the Department has initiated procurement of more Personal Protection Equipments and Ventilators to meet the need of all the districts. He also stated that all districts have identified locations for quarantine which includes Military Hospitals, TB Hospitals, AYUSH Hospitals and some Government infrastructures like the DUDA Hostel in Kiphire.  

Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy, stating that the two important aspects of the pandemic were prevention and preparedness, expressed satisfaction at the Department of H&FW for following all the preventive guidelines issued by the Government of India. He, however, stressed on the importance of personal prevention. 

The Chief Secretary further informed that video conference with all the concerned agencies at the Centre were being held regularly and all directions issued are followed. He stated that most cases of deaths from Covid-19 were caused by respiratory problem and stressed on the importance of procuring more ventilators for the State. 

In the rural areas, the Chief Secretary informed that the Department of Rural Development through the Self Help Groups will act as a network channel to assist and help the Department of H&FW in order to contain the pandemic. 

The Chief Minister meanwhile urged the elected representatives to go to their respective districts and hold meetings with the District Task Forces.