Assam-Nagaland border sealed under Bhandari sub-division

Dimapur, April 5 (EMN): As a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and in the interest of public health and safety, administration of Bhandari sub-division in Wokha district has totally sealed every entry and exit point including footpath along the Assam-Nagaland border till further notice.

The border was sealed following an order issued by the additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Bhandari, Tiameren Chang on April 4. It warned that punitive punishment would be taken against any person violating the order, a DIPR report stated.

Directive was also issued to the village councils in the inter-state border area to strictly monitor the movement of people and to extend full co-operation to the district administration and to the police for effective implementation of the order.

An emergency meeting of Bhandari block task force (BTF) was also held on April 4 in the ADC office, Bhandari, to step up preparedness measure against Covid-19.

After reviewing on the capacity of two quarantine facilities presently available under Bhandari sub division, the house decided to set up one more quarantine centre at Merapani and two more centres at Baghty for the time being.

It was also decided that the medical team led by medical officer in-charge of CHC Bhandari should be stationed 24X7 at the police check gate. The medical team would decide whether to send a person for home quarantine or to the quarantine centres after screening depending on a person’s travel and contact history.

ADC Tiameren Chang, who chaired the meeting, appealed to all concerned to co-operate for everyone’s safety and welfare.

On the shortage of resources such as manpower, means of transportation, PPE and other materials required for not only medical personnel at CHC and sub-centres but every frontline workers who are at risk of being exposed to the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, the house decided to apprise concerned department to look into the matter for prompt action.

ADC also informed that vehicular movement including vehicles carrying essential commodities would not be allowed to enter Bhandari or pass through the police check gate till further order. Also stating that supply of essential commodities would be arranged, he appealed to the public not to panic.