Kohima board discusses coronavirus, travel advisory

Dimapur, March 2 (EMN): The Kohima district task force (DTF) on the coronavirus or COVID-19 held its second meeting on February 28 in the deputy commissioner's office chamber in Kohima. The meeting was presided over by subdivision officer for Kohima, Shaying Sheu, the updates stated.

The department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) gave a report on Monday informing about the meeting.

In the meeting, the chief medical officer gave updates about the latest status of surveillance reports on the COVID-19 and highlighted the new travel advisory issued by the ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in addition to its earlier advisories.

Indians have been advised to refrain from non-essential travel to the Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy while people coming from the Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy or having such travel history since February 10 2020 may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to India, the updates stated.

The meeting also highlighted the advisory for travellers returning from China since January 15 2020: The COVID-19 causes illness ranging from common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), CoV and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The common symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.

‘To protect oneself and others from getting sick if recently travelled to China within the past 14 days or had possible contact with an nCoV infected person, it is advisable to stay in home isolation for 14 days after the return, sleep in a separate room and limit contact with other family members and avoid visitors,’ the IPR stated.

The precautions include covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu like symptoms. They may maintain a distance of at least one meter from individuals, the IPR stated.

‘Every person at home should maintain hand hygiene at all times and wash hands after sneezing or coughing, when caring for the sick and before, during and after one prepares food, before eating, and after using the toilet; and after handling animals or animal waste,’ the updates stated.

In case one develops fever, cough or difficulty in breathing anytime within 28 days of return from China, people are advised to wear a mask immediately and report to the nearest medical facility as advised and not to panic.

For any queries, one may contact the following helpline numbers 8837093602 or 7005464959, the IPR stated.