Rumours of COVID19 patient in NHAH ‘absolutely false’: Nagaland H&FW Minister
District-wise 'Isolation Wards' set up in state government-run and military hospitals in all the districts as a precautionary measures against coronavirus. (Morung File)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 4
No COVID-19 patient has been admitted in Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK) and rumours on social media regarding the same are “absolutely false and baseless,” clarified Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom today.
Taking to Twitter with the clarification, the Minister said: “Some rumors are spreading regarding admission of COVID-19 patient in NHAK. Please stand verified that the news feed is absolutely false & baseless.”
The State Health Department is “monitoring the situation closely and shall inform the citizens on any developments,” he added.
A message reportedly from Managing Director NHAK was also shared later clarifying on the issue.
“This is to inform all concerned that a circulation that a COVID-19 patient has been admitted at Isolation Ward Naga Hospital Kohima is false and should be treated as fake news,” the message informed.
The clarifications came after rumours spread on social media that a woman had tested positive for the virus and was being kept in isolation at NHAK, Kohima.
It may be noted that the Nagaland H&FW Minister, during a press conference on February 18, had informed that “all precautionary measures possible as prescribed by the World Health Organisation have been put in place” in Nagaland to deal with any case related to COVID-19.
The state has set aside 52 beds as “Isolation Wards” in the state government-run and military hospitals in all the districts, he informed.
As the most populous district and with the only airport in the state, 25 of the total 52 “Isolation Wards” have been set up in Dimapur— 10 at the CIHSR, 5 at the Dimapur District Hospital and 10 at the Rangapahar Military Hospital. (See table)
On rumours that people can be infected from goods coming from affected countries, Pangnyu had maintained that there is no available evidence, as of now, proving the virus can spread through imported items.
“We are taking all precautionary measures. And there are also stories about transmission from animals to humans but there is no credible evidence to prove as of now. We have given out all advisories that if anyone has some doubt, the person can self declare via the numbers or email provided,” he added.
The State Health department has asked any person with travel history to China or the affected countries to “self declare” or to reach them through these contacts— 7005415243, 9856071745, 7005539653 or email: nlssu.idsp@nic.in
The Health Department since then has been giving regular updates as well as travel advisories through various media outlets.
