CBCC steps up to provide quarantine centre

The CBCC guest house in Pfutsero which will be used as a quarantine centre beginning May 18. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 17 

As the Nagaland State Government struggles to find enough quarantine centres to accommodate returning Nagaland citizens from outside the State, it has become apparent that non state institutions will have to help fill in the gaps. 

Setting an example, the Chakhesang Baptist Churches Council (CBCC) has offered its guest house in the CBCC Mission Centre at Pfutsero to be used as a quarantine centre for returnees. The guest house will be operational as a quarantine centre beginning May 18. 

Executive Secretary of the CBCC, Rev Khrotso Mero informed that the Additional Deputy Commissioner, and the Sub Divisional Officer, Pfutsero had approached the council seeking help with regard to quarantine centres. 

“As a human service we are offering the CBCC guest house,” he stated. The original plan was to use other buildings in the campus as quarantine centres as well, Mero informed. He however stated that given the close proximity of the other buildings to neighbouring houses, the original plan was shelved.

“We wish we could have done more, but I hope this small service by us will help,” he added.

The guest house will be able to accommodate 32 persons. Mero said that health and security officials have vetted the place and have expressed satisfaction.  He informed that the government authorities will sanitise the premises and put in place the facilities as per the existing protocol. 

“This is the first time we are facing such a problem,” Mero said and acknowledged that the government alone would not be able to help tide this crisis. He meanwhile stated that the CBCC has been conducting regular meetings and find ways to help in the fight against the pandemic in their own small ways. 

He noted that accommodating returnees to the state was a problem which would need a unified effort of all sections. 
Mero meanwhile asserted that it is vital to welcome stranded citizens back to the State. 

“These people are our brothers and sisters, our loved ones. We must welcome them. And if we refuse to take them in at this hour of crisis, it will be a great shame,” Mero said.