Kohima District Task Force on COVID-19 decided to propose again to the government for total lockdown within the Kohima Municipality following the detection of more positive cases in various colonies in the district in the last few days. The DTF in its meeting held at DC's Office Chamber on 22nd July 2020 decided on the proposal to ensure the execution of contact tracing and containment plans effectively in the containment zones inorder to contain the spread of COVID infection.
The meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DTF Chairman, Gregory Thejawelie NCS was attended by Legislators' in-charge of the district, Minister for Housing & Mechanical (PWD), Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, MLA Khriehu Liezietsu, Sr. SP Kohima, K Sophie, KMC Administrator Kovi Meyase, MS NHAK, Dr. Visasieü, CMO Kohima Dr. Vezokholu, DSO Kohima Dr. Asenuo besides other members.
The meeting deliberated on the appeal letter received from the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) for total lockdown for a period of two weeks within the Kohima Municipality where the members were of the view that total lockdown is required at this juncture for early detection or to prevent the spreading of infection and also for smooth functioning of the Medical and Surveillance teams in the containment zones.
Minister Tongpang also asked DTF and Medical personnel to highlight the issues faced at the ground level and strategies on the proposal for total lockdown to the High Power Committee for consideration. Supplementing to Dr. Nicky views and suggestions made on food catering for Quarantine centres, Tongpang asked the DTF to coordinate with the Food Committee/ Hotels/Restaurants and work out for engagement of food caterers for the Quarantine centres at the earliest. He also informed the house that he had apprised the honourable Chief Minister of Nagaland on the issues of Chedema road leading to COVID Hospital and AKMWP appeal letter.
Advisor Dr. Nicky also felt that serious thought has to be put in with regard to total lockdown in the district as it would enable the contact tracing exercise more effective during the lockdown period. He also shared his views and suggestions on food catering for the quarantine centres and asked the DTF to identify people or catering group who will be willing to take over the Bethel Kitchen.
DC Gregory also informed that more numbers of outsiders for work execution in power/road sectors are still arriving for the undergoing projects however the number of district people returnees are declining, which ultimately reduces the numbers at the district Quarantine Centres.
On the issue of sanitary workers of Kohima Municipal Council KMC, Kovi Meyase sought for clear advisory on home quarantine period as the whole of the office sanitary workers are under home quarantine, where the house decided to accommodate the workers at Indira Gandhi Stadium for isolation for a period of seven days.
CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu also informed the house on the updated cumulative report of positive cases in the district and also informed on the active contact tracing and other safety protocol measures undergoing in various containment zones under the district.
(DPRO, Kohima)
