A press briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic in the State was held at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima by the Principal Director, Dr.Vizolie Suokhrie on 19th August, 2020. The Principal Director was assisted by other officials from the department.

He expressed with gratitude about the laudable efforts and commitment of the State, despite its limited resources, able to prepare and face the pandemic. He also informed about various challenging tasks faced by the department including training of the front line workers and equipping of hospitals in various parts of the State. The Principal Director added that initially there were only three district hospitals with activated ICU. However, all the district hospitals, including Jalukie Hospital are now ICU activated. He added that there are adequate number of ventilators and also that the department is working together with the army in fighting the pandemic.

Dr.Vizolie stated that some of the medical front line workers have tested COVID-19 positive including three doctors, two nurses, one pharmacist. Despite that, it has not dampened the enthusiasm of the front line workers and they have even rejoined their duty after their recoveries, he added.

However, the Principal Director expressed concern over the stigmatization and discrimination of the patients at the community and village level. He said that about 95% of the cases are asymptomatic and that it can be treated at home. He also said that another area of concern is the acceptance of dead body. He said that the concerned authority has issued the SOP for the proper disposal of dead bodies. In this connection, he asked the various Panchayats, colony bodies and other bodies to be rational in dealing with such situations and sought their co-operation in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr.Vizolie reiterated that there is no community spread in the State and asked people not to panic and spread rumours. He said that they are able to trace all the contacts and contain the spread of the virus. The Principal Director also informed that Kiphire had its first positive case in the district today.

(Wepre Kronu, APRO)