Public alarmed as COVID cases rise in Nagaland

Staff Reporter / Correspondnet
DIMAPUR / KOHIMA, JUL 29 (NPN)

After 53 fresh COVID-19 cases reported throughout Nagaland that included 29 from Dimapur, 19 from Kohima and five from Mon, authorities are grappling with the onslaught of new coronavirus transmissions in various colonies and market places and which has led to pressure from public in Kohima and Dimapur for extension of the current total lockdown.

The 7-day Lockdown in Kohima began on July 25 and ends on July 31 while the 8-day lockdown in Dimapur began on July 26 and ends on August 2.

With public gripped by fears of community transmission, sources said the district task forces of Kohima and Dimapur will have to take stock of the situation in the next few days before deciding on whether or not to extend the lockdown period.

In Dimapur, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi told Nagaland Post that the district task force will discuss the matter within the next few days.

He said the decision will be based on realistic assessments of the ground reality.

Lockdown extension in Kohima likely: In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state capital, the District Task Force (DTF) Kohima may extend the ongoing lockdown for another week in the municipal areas.

Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) sources informed that the DTF during its meeting Wednesday, to review and discuss the impact of the ongoing total lockdown, proposed to extend the total lockdown of Kohima municipal areas for another week. Sources said that the proposal would be forwarded to High Powered Committee on COVID-19 for approval.

More areas sealed in Kma: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, has ordered sealing of several areas in Kohima after the detection of COVID-19 positive cases.

In a notification, DC Kohima demarcated the following as locations as “sealed area”: Naga Bazaar (Ward No.4), Mission Compound (Ward No. 3), Daklane (Ward No. 7), Lower PWD (Ward No. 11), Midland (Ward No. 9), Lerie (Ward No. 16), New Minister’s Hill (Ward No.16), Lower Forest Colony (Ward No.17), Phezhu Jotsoma, Mima and Chedema in order to contain the spread of the disease/infection and for necessary contact tracing.

Meanwhile, DC Kohima, in a report submitted to the chief secretary, stated that all the COVID-19 positive cases detected were outside the quarantine centres.

MLA, bodyguard & staff test +ve; NLA session deferred

KOHIMA, JUL 29 (NPN): After a legislator was tested positive for COVID-19 including six other staff of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), the one-day session slated for July 30 has been deferred as per advice made by the Governor.

On Thursday, a legislator, his bodyguard and two other support staff of another legislator were tested positive for COVID-19.

Adviser Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan went public and tweeted that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He said: “Although my COVID-19 test rprt came out +ve, I show no symptoms and m doing absolutely fine. Currently I’m in home isolation and under proper care. I’m hopeful that I’ll emerge healthier n stronger. Thank u all for ur concern and wishes. Keep me in your prayers!”

Mhathung informed Nagaland Post that he was asymptomatic and keeping well. He also appealed to public not to panic but follow all SOPs, guidelines and protocols in order to protect themselves from the virus.

He said since he was asymptomatic, he chose to treat himself at home and exuded confidence to overcome the virus very soon.

In another tweet, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Women Resource Development adviser R Khing disclosed that two of his support staff tested positive and were in COVID Care Centre. “As a precautionary measure, I am on self-quarantine, adhering to the existing SOP & will continue to work from home,” he added.

It may be recalled that the speaker had made COVID test mandatory for all legislators and their support staff who would be accompanying them to the Assembly session. The tests began on July 26 at the State Banquet Hall, Old Chief Minister’s Bungalow here.

NLA session deferred
Commissioner & Secretary NLA, Dr. P.J. Anthony in a ‘general information for members’ stated that due to unforeseen circumstances the Governor “indicated August 13” as the deferred sitting of the Assembly. However, Anthony informed the members that further details regarding the Assembly would be communicated to them.

6 NLA staff test +ve
Six staff under NLA were also tested positive through TrueNat and confirmation through RT-PCR was awaited. All of them have been asked to stay in isolation till confirmation of test.

Meanwhile, sources said the PDA legislators at an emergency meeting held on Wednesday decided to urge the speaker to adjourn the House after the obituary reference.

NLA Sectt sealed
Following the detection of 6 COVID positive cases from among the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) staff, the District Task Force (DTF) Kohima during its emergency meeting on July 29 decided to “close/seal” the office for 48 hours with effect from July 29 as per the Standard Operating Procedure on preventive measures to contain the spread of virus.

Informing this in a letter to Principal Secretary (Home), Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie stated that fumigation and disinfection of office premises is being initiated.

Earlier, NPF legislators had decided to abstain from attending the ensuing NLA session scheduled to be held on July 30.

The Leader of Opposition had also requested NLA Speaker to defer the date of Assembly sitting.

Soure: http://www.nagalandpost.com/public-alarmed-as-covid-cases-rise-in-nagaland/219875.html