District Task Force, Kohima conveyed an emergency meeting on 23rd April 2021 headed by the Deputy Commissioner Kohima Gregory Thejawelie along with Legislators in Charge for Kohima, Minister, PWD Housing & Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum and Advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affair, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire which was attended by HoO and representatives from various organizations.

The meeting deliberated on the level of preparedness for the second wave of Covid -19 surge and discussed that the ICU facility at Meriema to be activated as soon as possible. Paid quarantine for the people to be isolated was also noted to be proposed as this has become a necessity with the rush of our people coming from other states.

On the status of the vaccination in Kohima the concerned department pointed out that a total no of 27,775 (1st dose 21878 and 2nd dose 5897 vaccinces) front line workers, health workers and in the age and above of 45 have been vaccinated, however with the limited vaccine available in the state, the Department of Health and Family Welfare is anticipating the government to provide more vaccine to enable the whole state to be vaccinated. In another area of concern, with the shortage of oxygen in the whole country the DTF requested to inquire the status and activities of the oxygen plant at Dimapur and to envisage an actual plant in Kohima too.

The DTF also decided to appeal the area administrators, village authorities, blocks, wards, church to regulate and streamline the outsiders and follow the necessary protocols laid down by the government and further disseminate the information on the new Covid SOPs and enforce Covid appropriate behaviors at all times in their concern area.

The members also deliberated on screening at the entry and exit point of the border areas since thermal screening became a futile exercise the recommendation to increase some temporary unit to test the commuter was also discussed,

Later in the meeting the DC also requested the Rengma Hohos to take up measures to assist the DTF Kohima to create awareness and sensitized the people on the vaccination progress.

The meeting concluded with suggestion from the members to enforce more sternly the COVID-19 protocols in proper using of the face mask and other Covid appropriate behaviors.

(Siizo Kikhi IA Kohima)