Morung Express News
Kohima | April 13
Following reports of a patient from Nagaland who tested positive for COVID-19 in Guwahati, Nagaland Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy remarked “we knew that sooner or later, that day had to come when the virus showed its manifestations within the state.”
Interacting with media personnel, he said that the state is bracing itself for more cases, and was hopeful that the state will be able to cope with whatever challenges that might come.
On referring patient to another state
When enquired on why the patient was referred to another state, Toy said the government was dismayed adding that this was not necessary and should not have happened in the first place even if the patient had requested for it.
Disclosing that it is trying to find out why the patient had to be referred to another state, Toy commented: “we were ready for COVID cases with COVID Hospital right at Dimapur on standby with all the facilities for such cases, but that didn’t happen.”
He assured that the state is taking all measures to ensure that such cases of referring patients to other hospitals in other states do not arise.
“We cannot afford to risk other states. There are questions that need to be answered” said Toy and added that this will be dealt with all seriousness.
Admitting gaps and loopholes in communication, Toy concurred that it was embarrassing for the state that someone from Assam had to tweet the information, whereas the State Government was completely in the dark. It was also informed that the state is in touch with its counterpart in Assam.
He informed that at present fifteen teams are on the move in the area where the patient resides, going house to house screening and taking comprehensive reports on the health of the residents.
‘Ruthless containment’ to prevent spreading
Following the Bhilwara model in Rajasthan that is being followed all over the country, Toy said the area where the patient was residing viz. Marwari and Gorapatti had to be sealed for ‘containment measures’.
Terming it as ‘ruthless containment’, he said harsh measures were required. “That doesn’t mean that it (virus) will not manifest itself but that is the first step we have taken,” he stated.
Decision to take ‘calibrated measures’
Although more clarity will be had after the Prime Minister’s address on April 14 on whether the lockdown would continue, Toy informed that a decision has been taken towards ‘calibrated measures’ to deal with the post lockdown scenario where public lives have to be made as normal as possible along with functioning of offices. However, he added that the State cannot take the risk with educational institutions as yet.
This decision, he said was taken in a meeting held with all the AHoDs and HoDs in presence of the Chief Minister this morning.
He also informed that in another two weeks the government will be taking another call depending on the situation on the ground. Nevertheless, total lockdown may have to continue with the border subdivisions in the state with Assam, Manipur and the international borders.
Despite the total lockdown, he reassured that vehicles transporting essential commodities would be allowed, except through Bhandari bordering Golaghat, the hotspot area for COVID-19.
