The full text of the message by the Administrator, KMC, Kovi Meyase to the citizens of Kohima on the prevailing COVID-19 situation is as follows:

“Dear Citizens of Kohima,

The lock down has been a difficult moment for all of us. And it has been harder to some people than the rest. Many lives have been adversely affected, and that is a painful experience to live through. This is a situation we have never faced before, never in a response of this scale to a crisis. Our liberty is curbed, and some of us are getting restive too. These are extraordinary trying times requiring extra ordinary patience. These are desperate times demanding desperate measures. Whatever measure that has been taken in these difficult times is in the interest of public safety which includes you. It may have been difficult for many to stay at home for an extended period of time, but if required of you for the safety of your family and your dear ones, please help by staying at home. If not for yourself, please do it for your children and their future. The country requires it of you. The government requires it of you. The people require it of vou. We are in the second week of the lock down and it is a crucial period for us to remain at home. The incubation period of the virus suggests that if there were any asymptomatic carriers at the onset of the lock down, they would begin to show by the end of the second week. The only way to break the cycle of infection and contain the spread is by social distancing enforced through the lock down. Meanwhile, rest assured that it will be our persistent endeavour to do our best to mitigate the ordeal that each one of us are going through by all means possible. We are in touch with your ward & colony) leaders and representatives. Please share your difficulties with them so that we can join hands to help you in this difficult time.

I thank you all for your continued cooperation. The difficulties we are going through is unprecedented and painful but the alternatives could be too frightening to comprehend. We have but only one option - to stay safe and practice human to human distancing even as we keep our faith intact.

Together we shall overcome. Together we can.”

(DIPR)