Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 dwelled on benefits of the 14 days lockdown within the Kohima Municipal area under Kohima Sadar jurisdiction from 25th July to 7th August 2020 during its meeting held in DC's Office Chamber, Kohima on 7th August 2020.
The meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Chairman Kohima DTF, Gregory Thejawelie NCS was attended by Legislator in-charged of Kohima district, Advisor Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Dr.Neikiesalie Nicky Kire and other DTF members.
Evaluating the positive aspects of the two weeks total lockdown in the district, the DTF felt that the lockdown period has facilitated the medical team in contact tracing and surveillance activities, which enabled them to handle the tasks in more efficient and better manner though number of opinions and observations in support as well as in against of total lockdown were made by various sections.
Briefing the members on the advantages of lockdown, CMO Dr.Vezokholu said that during this lockdown period shifting of positive cases to Covid Hospital/Care Centre, shifting of persons to sample collection site and sealing of the epicenter areas were made much easier as most of the positive cases were reported from outside the Quarantine Centres (QC). She also added that people were made more aware and disciplined which helped the medical team to track the contacts outside the QCs effectively.
MS NHAK, Dr.Visasieü also pointed out that most of the primary and secondary contacts of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chief Minister’s Bungalow were traced, tested and isolated. Chain of local transmission among the public was reduced and more awareness is being created on compliance of the precautionary measures, she added.
DSO Dr.Aseno also stated that the result of this lockdown has reduced the work load of lab technicians who have been working tirelessly at BSL 3 at NHAK and medical team as well. The number of contact tracing for testing outside the QCs has become less which ultimately resulted less positive cases at Covid Hospital and Covid Care Centre.
The DTF also took up issues in regard to setting up of True Net Machine in Sub-Divisions under Kohima district and decided to propose for installation of True Net Machine in all four Blocks ie Tseminyu, Chiephobozou, Sechü Zubza and T.B. Hospital to the Government. On Paid Facility to be implemented at K. Badze Quarantine Centre from 10th of August 2020 as per the 4th August SOP notified by the Home Department, the DTF has decided to fixed Rs. 300/- (per day for lunch and dinner) to be charged to all the returnees/travellers who are at the Quarantine facility w.e.f. 10th August 2020 onwards. Other issues in regard to awareness and sensitization of the general public, measures to check wearing of masks and other safety protocols and also waste management were also taken up for follow up actions.
(DPRO, Kohima)