‘We are all in this together’

• Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calls for cooperation from citizens
• 176 bed COVID Hospital in Dimapur to be established
• Appreciates frontline workers, especially medical fraternity

Kohima, May 19 (MExN): With the State reeling under the impact of the second COVID-19 wave, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio sent a message to the citizens assuring that ‘we are all in this together’.

In a video message on May 17, Rio extended condolences and prayers to the bereaved members of all those who have lost their loved ones.

He drew attention to the increasing cases and number of deaths in the State and called for a united front during these ‘extraordinary times’.

“Our State needs all of us, to pull all our forces together, and take every possible action in order to combat the challenges that lie ahead,” he appealed.

The CM assured that the State government is making an all out effort to protect and care for the citizens. While acknowledging that the State’s healthcare system over the past decades has not reached desired standards, the CM said that the State has made significant investments in the past year, resulting in improvements and upgradation in the overall health care facilities and in strengthening health related human resources.

“But this is not the time to dwell on the past, we need to focus on the present and be prepared for the future,” he added. Rio thanked the Government of India and all other well-wishers for enabling improvement and addition of new health facilities across the State.

“Within weeks, we will be establishing a new full-fledged 176 bed COVID Hospital in Dimapur and emergency care facilities for the medical fraternity. We are also ramping up the vaccination drive with procurement of more vaccines,” he informed.

Rio expressed appreciation for the frontline workers, especially those from the medical fraternity. They have been working day and night, making significant sacrifices and taking great risks, to keep us safe and healthy. During this time of crisis, we need to extend all our cooperation, assistance and appreciation to them, in order to ease their burden even by a small margin, the CM stated.

Commending their work, the CM urged the medical fraternity; both government and private, not to be disheartened during this difficult period, but rather continue to give their best in taking care of the citizens. “Rest assured that you have all our support and all of you are remembered in our prayers,” Rio said.

While acknowledging the contributions of everyone, the CM appealed to all sections to rise to the occasion, set aside differences, and, collectively work as members of one team for the sake of the people.

‘Lockdown may be extended, if required’
The Chief Minister urged citizens to contribute by following COVID-19 appropriate behaviours.

While noting the inconveniences caused by the lockdown, the CM reasoned that it has been imposed as per the demand of the extraordinary scenario.

“… And we should be prepared that the lockdown may even need to be extended if the situation requires it,” Rio said and sought the cooperation of every citizen to ensure that the lockdown regulations are not compromised.

We have to be extra cautious and extremely vigilant so that the disease does not spread to rural areas which can have far reaching consequences, the CM said.

While acknowledging the contributions of everyone, the CM appealed to all sections to rise to the occasion, set aside differences, and, collectively work as members of one team for the sake of the people.

“We know that the weeks and months ahead may be very difficult, with greater challenges, but let me assure you that, we are all in this together,” the CM said.

Terming every citizen a member of ‘Team Nagaland’, Rio expressed confidence that with the positive cooperation of all sections, and the protection of God, Nagaland and the Naga people will emerge stronger and overcome the pandemic together.
HPC takes stock of COVID-19 situation

Kohima, May 18 (MExN): The High Powered Committee (HPC) on COVID-19 under the Chairmanship of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio held a video conference today with the District Task Force (DTF) of all the districts in the State.

According to a press statement issued by Government spokespersons on COVID-19, Neiba Kronu and Mmhonlumo Kikon, the HPC took stock of all the COVID-19 related issues in all the districts. The Committee also took note of the efforts put in by the respective DTFs.

The active coordination of the DTF and the War Room will continue in order to address any immediate concerns of the district, the press release informed. It also added that financial support required as presented by the DTF has been taken note of and in addition to the existing funds, more will be provided depending on the requirements.

“The Government is vigilant and is proactively responding to the needs of each district as per the situational assessment provided by the District Task Force,” the release stated. The preparedness of all the districts with regard to essential commodities are sufficient as of now, it noted.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/we-are-all-in-this-together