Rio seeks citizens’ help in Covid-19 battle

Appeals all to avoid finger pointing in order not to demoralise those working in the frontline  

Dimapur, April 16 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to the citizens of Nagaland, including tribe hohos, civil societies and elected representatives, to help the government in these difficult times.

 “While constructive criticism and suggestions are most welcome, it is my humble appeal to avoid pointing fingers at each other so as not to demoralise the people fighting in the forefront of this battle. I thank Almighty God for his guidance and protection so far and we extend our appreciation to all sections of the people for their constant prayer and support. I am confident that with the support of the people and the collective teamwork of all sections, we will prevail over this challenge in a positive manner and emerge as a stronger and more united society,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The state government, he said, is certainly better prepared now than a few weeks ago though a lot more needs to be done. “I am personally supervising the preparations and the cabinet ministers and advisors and even opposition MLAs are contributing their bit to reach out to the districts. Our health workers, doctors, police personnel, municipal staff and the entire government machinery are working at the risk of their life and they need all our help and support.”

According the chief minister, the nationwide lockdown, which has been extended till May 3, is extremely vital for preventing the spread of the virus. “I am grateful to all sections of the society for their wholehearted support and adherence to the lockdown measures.

“I would like to inform however, that because of the essential and urgent nature, certain activities like farming are exempt and need to be carried out even during the lockdown period. This happens to be the sowing season and our farmers while maintaining social distancing should carry out the farming activities without fail. All concerned should ensure that there is no hindrance to the farming activity,” he reminded.

Rio said that the arrival of the first consignment of BSL-3 lab equipment on Thursday was a matter of satisfaction, and it will ensure that Nagaland doesn’t depend on labs outside the state anymore.

“As regards, the positive case of one Dimapur resident, work of sealing the affected areas and tracing contacts is going on. Twenty-five district surveillance teams are conducting active surveillance. Till now, 1391 persons have been interviewed and screened and 52 close contacts have been traced.

“The samples of co-passengers of the flight in which the affected person travelled are also being tested. It is assured that all efforts are being made by the government to ensure foolproof containment. the government has also extended cooked food and dry rations to more than 79,000 stranded persons, daily wagers, migrant labourers and other needy persons. More help is being planned for such people,” he informed.

The chief minister said that the countrywide lockdown measures have also created hardship to many people from Nagaland staying outside the state. “Their welfare is being looked after by a cell headed by a nodal officer for this purpose. They are also being provided help from the chief minister’s relief fund (CMRF) through various organisations. Out of INR 2.95 crore donated in the CMRF including opening balance, an amount of INR. 2.32 crore has been disbursed to deputy commissioners, Nagaland Houses and other organisations. All details are regularly posted on the website chiefminister.nagaland.gov.in.,” he informed.

To deal with the Covid-19 situation, the state government had already set up a control room at the directorate of Health and Family Welfare as well as inter-departmental state-level control room at the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority for Covid-19, Rio said.

“Now, in view of the current evolving situation, a state-level war room against Covid-19 has also been made functional in the Nagaland civil secretariat headed by the chief secretary and this control centre is working round the clock as a single point to address all issues and matters related to the present situation,” he added.