Morung Express News
Kohima | July 27
“Third wave may or may not happen as it will entirely depend on how we tackle the second wave through COVID appropriate behaviours and vaccination going side by side. If the given population is vaccinated, we may not have to face the reality of undergoing a third wave.”
This was stated by the Principal Director of the Nagaland Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department, Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao during an interaction with some media personnel at his office chamber on July 27.
Noting that the State is doing ‘fairly well’ in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, he however maintained that, “The problem is here to stay with us for some time, but hopefully in the coming days with more vaccination that are going on side by side, we will be able to do better.”
When asked if another lockdown would be necessary in the State given the present situation, Dr Khimiao observed that it will solely depend on the COVID positivity rate, death rate and the success of vaccination drive. “Only then things can be taken into consideration,” he added.
He also informed that there are no fatality reports in the State involving those who have received both does of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccination is to safeguard the population
There has been strong resentment following the government’s order dated July 17 requiring vaccination for employees/staff in Nagaland Civil Secretariat and directorates.
“Whatever the government decides, I believe it is in the interest of the public and to safeguard the given population,” said Dr Khimiao and remarked, “The way things are going on, people are not cooperative enough but ultimately, this is the only way to safeguard the public.”
“While there was a court order which says that it is up to the individuals to decide whether to vaccinate or not, at the same time, we have received a suo moto order from the court asking the department why our frontline health workers were not vaccinated,” reasoned Dr Khimiao.
Basing on the court’s order, he said the department had issued circular to the medical fraternity and the frontline workers to either get vaccinated or get their test done every 15 days before reporting for duty to stop the spread of the virus.
“After repeated advisories being given, there are so many who are still not vaccinated, and these are the people who will keep on spreading the disease” he remarked.
On high cost of testing
Although experts and the department have been stressing on testing to contain the spread of the virus, the high cost of Rs 800 per test has been a deterrent for many from coming forward for COVID-19 test.
When queried on this, Dr Khimiao said testing kits have been provided free of cost to all the districts, but did not disagree that in commercial areas like Dimapur and Kohima there are possibilities of high rates being charged for testing.
Vaccination gaining momentum
Initially, the department had faced challenges with regard to vaccination due to false information and rumours; however, the momentum is picking up now with less hesitancy said Dr Khimiao.
Of the projected 13 lakh population, he informed that till date, about seven lakh have been vaccinated inclusive of both partial and full vaccination.
State Immunisation Officer (SIO), Dr Ritu Thurr said 49% have received the first dose while 12% have received full vaccination. He also confirmed that, of late, there have been good responses of vaccine takers from across the State, and was hopeful that more people would come forward to take the vaccine for the safety of all.
On a ‘freedom rally’ against COVID restrictions, mandatory vaccination, mask mandate and testing held some days ago in Dimapur and Kohima, a health official on condition of anonymity commented that, “When we know that vaccine is the only means to stop the virus, as the medical department, we cannot keep quiet by not doing what we are supposed to do.”
He further stated that while the department cannot force any one to avail vaccination, it would also be wrong on their part to keep quiet and let people suffer the consequences.
