The full text of the statement on COVID-19 as given by the Spokesperson for State Government of Nagaland & Minister for Planning & Coordination Neiba Kronu is as follows:

“Dear Citizens of Nagaland,

Good evening,

I would like to give a briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the Stateas on 6th of April 2020.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio visited the Covid-19 control room at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, today to assess the preparedness of the Department and motivated the officers and staff towards their effort in the management and containment of COVID-19. The Hon’ble Chief Minister also visited the State Level Control Room for COVID -19 functioning at State Emergency Operation Centre, Kohima and reviewed the overall management and operation.

The Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, and his team visited Jalukie CHC and COVID-19 Hospital, Dimapur today and interacted with medical personnel, administration, community leaders and other stake holders in both the districts.

The Department of Health & Family Welfare is continuously strengthening and improving the medical infrastructure across the State of Nagaland. In this regard, as on date, the number of isolation beds including the beds in the designated COVID-19 hospitals has increased to 489. The total number of Personal Protection Equipments or PPEs for the entire state is now over 23,000. The total number of N95 masks already acquired till now stands at 44,051 and they are being distributed to the Districts. With more consignments likely to reach the State in the coming weeks, the number of medical equipment and accessories will see a further increase. Further the Department has till now acquired a total of 70 ventilators for taking care of COVID-19 patients and the target is to increase this quantity to over 300.

I would like to inform that as on 5:00 pm today, 60 samples of suspected cases have been sent for testing. The results of 47 samples have been received and they are all negative. The results of 13 samples are awaited.

As regard the ncovid-19 Nagaland App, till now a total of 5,040 persons have signed up and 3570 persons have self declared their details whereas the details of 1470 are incomplete.  I once again, appeal all those who have entered the State after 6th March, 2020 to self register in the App with their full details. Further, if anyone who has signed up, develops cough, fever or difficulty in breathing, they can login and update themselves or call the helpline numbers.

With regard to the religious gathering at Nizamuddin, New Delhi, while continued efforts are being made to identify any one who may have attended the religious congregation and not yet reported to us; an appeal is again made to anyone who is in Nagaland presently and has attended the religious gathering, and not contacted us yet, to do so immediately by contacting the State Level Control Room on COVID-19- the numbers are 0370 2291120, 2291122. Further, the public in general is also requested to kindly co-operate and help us in locating and isolating the individuals who may have attended the said religious congregation at Nizamuddin, New Delhi.

I may also like to mention that the Government is seized with the very unfortunate matter concerning a Doctor on duty in Dimapur with the police personnel three days back. The enquiry is going on and I assure of a suitable and just action in the entire matter. I appeal to the entire medical fraternity of the State to consider the incident as a rare aberration, and not to let their morale down, and continue with the same zeal and motivation in their fight against COVID-19.

We are in constant touch with all the districts as regard the availability of food grains, medicines, POL and other essential goods and commodities. The position continues to be normal.

I would like to thank all the Community Leaders and the Civil Society Organizations for their continued cooperation, support and assistance to the District Administration and Police across the State for educating and convincing everyone, the need for strict adherence to the lockdown measures, which is so vital for helping us win the war against the Novel Coronavirus.

I conclude with a request; Stay home, Stay safe. Together we can fight against Covid-19.

THANK YOU”

(DIPR)