Nagaland Minister for Public Health Engineering, Jacob Zhimomi convened a meeting on 27th March in the conference Hall of DC Dimapur, along with Advisors Zhaleo Rio and Tovihoto for reviewing the logistics placed and implementation by Dimapur district with regard to COVID-19.
In the meeting, Minister Jacob appealed to the doctors posted in sub divisions to be stationed at their place of posting during this crucial hour. He also requested the sub- divisional officers to stay in their place of posting and to work in coordination with the Village council so that no outsiders are hosted in their respective jurisdiction as a preventive step in the fight against COVID-19. He also advised the Village council members and the youth involved in moral policing to use masks and to maintain social distance.
Jacob Zhimomi asked the medical department to put up the requirements in writing through the DC Dimapur so that the exact status would be clear. Jacob also advised legal metrology and DMC to tie up and monitor the issue of price hike of essential commodities for the welfare of the public. He assured to extend all possible cooperation as and when need arises.
Advisor Sericulture, Excise and Tribal Affairs Zhaleo Rio, lauded the Government and Private Agencies, NGOs, Village Council, Youth for coming forward during these trying times providing all necessary logistics, cash and kind and encouraged to continue their services. We are thankful to God as there is no positive case in Nagaland so far, but we should not be complacent, Zhaleo maintained. Dimapur has enormous task and you are doing good but can do better, he added. Rio also said that shopkeepers should not charge exorbitant rates for essential commodities taking advantage of the situation.
Advisor Power, Tovihoto thanked the district administration, police, Medical department and all those involved till date in containing the spread of COVID-19 in Dimapur, considered as the most vulnerable district in Nagaland. He asked the DC to continue to monitor the price hike of essential commodities and medical equipments and also to ensure that there was no rush during shopping hours. He further advised for sensitising people to maintain social distance.
In the meeting, DC Dimapur apprised the elected members on the preparedness level and the preventive steps and measures taken to contain the spread of COVID-19. He also informed that presently there are 60 people under quarantine being taken care by the district administration. Anoop also informed that all ambulances has been requisitioned out of which 10 has been earmarked for COVID-19 cases. New DCs office Chumukedima would be converted into COVID-19 hospital in case of emergency, he added.
Considering the situation of Dimapur, Commissioner Police Dimapur Rothihu Tetseo IPS, proposed for a complete shutdown and for activating Essential Commodity Task Force to meet Emergency needs provided the State Government agrees.
Chief Medical officer Dimapur, Pangjung Sangtam also apprised the members about the logistics set in place at Dimapur district. He informed that so far 96 isolation beds has been identified and isolation bed with ventilators numbering 8 has also been kept in place. He also informed that 18 ambulances has been requisitioned (both Government and Private) where drivers have been trained and their numbers noted.
Administrator Dimapur Municipal Council, Albert Ezung, highlighted on the activities undertaken by DMC including sanitation covering 96 colonies and market places, daily sweeping. He also informed that spraying of disinfectants including quarantined places started since yesterday. Albert expressed concern for the safety of the sanitation workers wherein the members advised the medical department to take steps fir the frontline workers too.
(DPRO Dimapur)
