Dimapur, Jan. 15 (EMN): Allaying fears over sudden surge in Covid-19 cases, the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, on Saturday affirmed that the district is ready to face any eventuality, as far as the pandemic is concerned.
He was addressing a joint meeting of the District Task Force (DTF) for Covid-19 and DTF for Covid-19 Vaccination, held in the conference hall of DC office in the wake of spike in cases in the state, particularly in Dimapur.
Nagaland reported 503 fresh Covid-19 cases in the past four days (Wednesday to Saturday), out of which 460 were detected in Dimapur.
“With the consistent surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in Dimapur during the last couple of days, Rajesh informed that testing and surveillance in all the entry gates, Railway station and Airport has been intensified,” read the update from DPRO Dimapur.
‘Attributing high percentage of Covid-19 positive cases from amongst the returnees, the DC requested the stakeholders, particularly the village authorities to ensure strict home quarantine and strict monitoring of returnees in their respective jurisdiction,’ it added.
On the issue for need of manpower raised by CMO Dimapur, Rajesh informed that employees would be drawn from different departments to help the CMO office in the monitoring and surveillance cell.
He lauded the citizens of Dimapur for being the front runners in Covid vaccination and sought for their continued support. He also appreciated the tireless efforts of the private hospitals during the first and second waves, and urged them to rise to the occasion if situation demands.
He went on to say that more infrastructures would be put in place and activated as and when the need arises.
Reminding everyone not to be complacent about the Omicron variant, Soundararajan reiterated the need to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, adding that it was the collective responsibility to contain the pandemic.
Giving an overview of the Covid situation in the district, CMO Dimapur informed that as many as 506 positive cases had been detected this year (from January 1 till date), out of which eight patients had been admitted in the Hospital with moderate symptoms.
Of the 366 samples tested at the Airport, 306 turned positive, accounting for 64% from amongst the returnees, the CMO informed, adding that contact tracing for the elderly and persons with comorbidities would continue.
District Immunisation Officer, Dr. Rebecca informed that 5,15 769 doses of vaccines have been administered in the district so far and the overall vaccination percentage among those aged above 18 years is 131% (first dose) and 100% second dose). She added that vaccination among the 15 to 18 years age group is 27% as on January 13.
It was also informed that ‘Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation would be administered on February 27’.