In what could probably provide a huge relief to people of Nagaland, one person whose sample was sent for testing at RMRC & ICMR laboratory at Dibrugarh was found negative.
Confirming this to Nagaland Post, Health & Family Welfare minister S. Pangnyu Phom also appealed to citizens to refrain from circulating news without proper verification, stating that the departments concerned would update if any development took place. The 84-year-old’s sample was collected and sent on March 21 and, after the test was done, the report was received on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, Pangnyu visited COVID-19 control room at District Hospital Dimapur to take stock of the preparedness level and also inspected the isolation ward and ventilation rooms. During the visit, health officials briefed him about the various steps taken in the district. The minister also inspected railway station here where health officials had been posted to screen passengers and interacted with railway officials, besides visiting Nagaland Gate and Dilai Gate. He stressed on the need for social distancing to prevent the outbreak, and appealed the administration and police to strictly follow the lockdown orders issued by the government.
Expressing appreciation to all NGOs who have come forward to help through different means, Pangnyu informed that advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Phukayi, donated 200 bags of rice and 10 bags of dal for medical personnel.
Advisor I&PR, Toshi Wungtung who was also present said that in order to curb fake news and rumours on social media, IPR officials will collect facts from all the necessary points and report on a daily basis.