Coronavirus update in Nagaland: 75 people screened; 15 under home isolation

Dimapur, Feb. 17 (EMN): Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Kohima Dr. Hoito has informed that ‘a total number of 75 passengers were screened till February 13 and 15 persons have been kept under home isolation as per the status of Nagaland state for novel coronavirus (COVID -19).

Dr. Hoito revealed this while presenting the status of COVID-19 in Nagaland at the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) monthly meeting at DPDB’s Conference Hall on February 15. According to a press release by DIPR, the status of novel coronavirus in the state was discussed in the meeting that was chaired by deputy commissioner and vice chairman of DPDB Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie and attended by other officials including director of Horticulture Dr. Elithung Lotha and director of Soil and Water Conservation Viliehu Nguzhü.

The deputy chief medical officer of Kohima pointed out the importance of creating community awareness on “basic protective measures against COVID-19 such as frequent hand washing, respiratory hygiene, maintain social distancing, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, seek medical care if symptoms are seen, avoid consumption of raw or uncooked animal products and follow travel advice for international travel”. He added that surveillance for the virus started in Kohima on January 28 and that 22 people were under surveillance till February 14 and seven persons were under home isolation.

Daily follow up of the health status of all passengers under observation for 28 days starting from date of arrival is being carried out, he said, adding that “during observation if any symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty in breathing develops they will be referred to District hospital”.

The Medical Officers at District Hospital will examine and depending on the criteria set by WHO guidelines sample collection, isolation etc. will be carried out, Dr. Hoito said. He also requested the DPDB members to create awareness on giving information of any persons with travel history to China or affected countries from January 15 to self declare or report to the authorities.

‘On the agenda for registration of new society namely, Commission for Education Diocese of Kohima Society and Agricultural Engineering Institute, the Board decided to recommend the matter to the state government basing on the report given by the concerned committee and the presentation given by the societies,’ read the press release. The board decided to approve the agenda for ‘constitution of verification teams for LADP Fund, society and opening of new schools, upgrade and grand-in-aid’.

Dr. Elithung Lotha also shared his experiences in DPDB activities during his posting in various districts and encouraged the members to actively participate and give constructive inputs in the board’s activities for the development of the district.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of its member Dr. Laso Lazor, who passed away on February 14, during the meeting. PHED department was entrusted to present its departmental activities in the next DPDB meeting.

Kohima DTF on COVID-19

The Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 was formed with deputy commissioner of Kohima as the chairperson and other members included chief medical officer, superintendent of police, medical superintendent, chief veterinary officer, district surveillance officer, district epidemologist, senior medical officer, medical officer and co-opted members. This was informed by DIPR through an update on Monday.

The update informed that the DTF held its first meeting at DPDB’s Conference Hall, Kohima on February 15 under the chairmanship of DC Gregory Thejawelie to discuss the current status, level of preparedness and activities carried out so far with regard to the COVID-19 in the district.

Considering the difficulties in perusing the people, who had recently visited the affected countries, the DTF stressed on the importance of self declaration through the form provided by the Medical department and the need to create awareness among the citizens to cooperate with the department. Dr. Hoito also “informed the members that all levels of health workers of the district will be activated with necessary information in this regard”.

CMO Tuensang conducts awareness campaign

The chief medical office (CMO) of Tuensang, Dr. Temjenmoa, conducted an awareness meeting and campaign on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at New Pangsha under Noklak block on February 13, informed an update issued by the district media officer of Tuensang.

The medical team led by Tuensang CMO along with Epidemiologist IDSP Dr. John Shupao, SMO (DH) Dr. Yanrenthung and MO Pangsha PHC Dr. Senti visited Assam Rifles check gate, international trade centre (ITC) at Dan (Pangsha) and met the officers and jawans manning the gate where they were briefed on COVID-19 outbreak in China and instructed to be vigilant with the movement of people along the border.

The team conducted the awareness meeting at New Pangsha with the chairman, GBs, and village guard of Pangsha range, Yangkhao and Chingyu village in Tobu area, informed the update. A separate meeting on coronavirus was also conducted with the Khiamniungan Public leaders at Noklak CHC.

The update went on to state that all the health units along the Myanmar border in Tuensang district were alerted about the virus, staff sensitised and preventive measures explained. Health units reporting for IDSP were instructed to be watchful for unusual increase in cases of acute respiratory tract infection/influenza like illnesses and report such cases to DSU IDSP. It was also decide to open an isolation ward at CHC Noklak.