Governor of Nagaland, R N Ravi today reviewed the unfolding COVID-19 situation in Nagaland, and assessed the state preparedness to tackle the virus.
The weekly review meeting at Raj Bhavan Kohima was attended by Temjen Toy, Chief Secretary, commissioner and secretary Home, commissioner and Secretary Health & Family Welfare and Director General of Police.
In the backdrop of a COVID-19 positive case in Dimapur, the meeting identified the gaps and weaknesses in the existing preventive protocols and procedures to fight the virus, and took appropriate measures to further strengthen the existing mechanism.
For an effective holistic response to this unprecedented global crisis, the Governor suggested immediate setting up of a multi-department – “COVID-19 WAR ROOM” under the Chief Secretary of Nagaland.
The Governor suggested the “War Room” to have integrated verticals on health logistics, health services, availability of essential commodities, law & order enforcement relating to COVID-19, status of our people stranded and stuck up in various parts of the country besides close monitoring and analysis of day to day unfolding COVID- 19 situation in the state.
It will closely monitor aggressive tracing, tracking and testing of suspect cases and also do the real time stock taking of medical inventories.
The Governor also thanked Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister for promptly responding to his request, and on priority ordering immediate airlift of critical equipments from Mumbai to Dimapur for fast track setting up of a BSL Laboratory in the state. It will enable the testing of suspected Covid-19 samples in the state instead of sending them to laboratories in Assam and Manipur as is being done today. The Airforce plane carrying the equipments is scheduled to land Dimapur tomorrow, April 15, 2010.
The Governor also thanked the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for the right decision to extend the nationwide lockdown till May 3, 2020.
The Governor is aware that the lockdown will create a lot of humanitarian issues. However, he reassured that the government remains committed to mitigating the hardships to the people and taking all possible measures in this regard.
The Governor thanked the people of Nagaland for their unwavering support, prayer and cooperation in observing the nationwide lockdown. He urged the people of Nagaland to continue to adhere to guidelines laid down the Central and State Governments.
Governor also reassured the people of Nagaland that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio is taking all measures to effectively tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor appealed all to continue maintaining social distancing and not to indulge in any activity that may endanger precious lives.
(PRO Raj Bhavan)