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Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 27 (EMN): The Nagaland state Cabinet on Tuesday issued new consolidated guidelines with stricter rules in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in the state and it will be enforced from April 30 till May 14.
The Advisor for New and Renewable Energy, IT&C, Science and Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon, informed that the Cabinet had taken the decision in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases and to break the chain of transmission in the state.
It came a day after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs asked States to impose localised restrictions and strict safety measures for at least 14 days to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Kikon said that the district task force (DTF) would ensure the implementation and enforcement of the consolidated guidelines. He added that fresh consolidated guidelines would be issued on April 29.
He stated that all educational institutions, coaching and vocational centres, hostels etc. would be closed across Nagaland. He however informed that online and distance learning is permitted and encouraged.
Kikon said that the state is ‘fully prepared' for the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. He maintained that officers, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have one year of experience in fighting the Covid-19 and health infrastructure has been ramped up to tackle the challenges.
However, he lamented that many citizens were careless with protocols and urged the people of the state to wear masks at all times, wash or sanitise hands, and maintain physical distancing.
"The Government will try to provide all support and assistance," he said while seeking co-operation from the public to follow the SOP
Kikon also mentioned that the state has three BSL labs, 32 TrueNat machines, 260 beds with oxygen support and 66 ICU beds, while the Government of India was also setting up three oxygen generation plants in the state.
He also informed that Nagaland had the record of minimum percentage of minimum wastage of vaccines. "As for Nagaland, there is no shortage of vaccine," he added.
Meanwhile, he informed that the PDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had decided to provide free vaccine for all citizens 18 years and above from May 1.
INR 200 fine for not wearing mask
It was also informed that the Nagaland state Cabinet had taken a decision to impose a fine of INR 200 on people found without face masks in public places and the DTF would implement and enforce the guideline.
Persons above 65 years of age, those with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years have been advised to take necessary precautions.
Hawkers and shops located in the crowded market areas like Hongkong Market, New Market in Dimapur and BOC Market in Kohima would be allowed to open and operate with the condition that only a certain percentage or up to 30% of shops is permitted, as decided by the DTF after assessment, which may be allowed on alternate days with other necessary measures in place to avoid crowds and ensure that SOPs are strictly followed.
It is mandatory for all shopkeepers to keep sanitisers for customers and staff at all times and ensure that social distance is maintained.
Meanwhile, it was informed that all inbound travellers or returnees would be permitted to enter through Dimapur by train and other entry points including New Airfield Check Gate and Dillai Gate in Dimapur; Khuzama Check Gate in Kohima; Tsutapela and Watiyongpang in Mokokchung; Naginimora and Tizit in Mon; Bhandari in Wokha; Lanye and Akash Bridge in Phek.
Entry into the state through any other routes or any other mode is prohibited under any circumstances except under the approval of the Home department. The international boundary with Myanmar would be sealed.
Kikon further informed that all returnees would be guided by the SOP issued on November 5, 2020 for entry into the state and would be required to produce a negative RT-PCR/ TrueNat/ CBNAAT test report for Covid-19 test done not earlier than 72 hours prior to entry into the state.
He said that in view of the ‘practical issues’, with or without tests or cases of some people producing fake test reports being detected, it would be mandatory for all returnees to get tested for which testing centres would be extended at all entry points.
It was informed that a self-declaration form would be made available for all returnees online (covid19.nagaland.gov.in) and also at entry points.