State govt orders closure of schools, colleges

As a precautionary step to prevent and control outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state, the state government has ordered closure of all educational institutions (elementary, secondary, higher secondary, colleges and universities), both government and private in Nagaland with effect from March 17, 2020 and would remain in force till April 12, 2020.

In a notification, the state chief secretary Temjen Toy also ordered deferment of all non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences etc during this period.

However, the ongoing board/council/university examinations would continue as per schedule.

The government has also put on hold official functions and programmes involving big gatherings including mini hornbills.

Issue of new/fresh Inner Line Permits for Tourists (Domestic/Foreigners) and all other categories would remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders. The government has also banned all tourist entry (foreign and domestic) into the state with effect from March 18, 2020 till further orders. All entry points and check gates into the State to be manned and screened by manpower provided by the State Police forces. The manpower would be trained and provided with equipments by the H&FW department. 

State government has constituted a special action group (SAG) to continuously monitor the situation and to ensure that actions are taken in order to keep the state in readiness for any eventuality besides taking prompt measures for prevention and control of the virus. The public have also been advised to refrain from holding any social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic and family functions/programmes which could see gathering of large number of people.

Further, public have been advised to avoid all forms of non essential travel outside the state.

All persons, students as well as public, entering the state have been informed to contact COVID-19 helpline no: 7005435243, 9856071745, 7005539653 and Toll Free no: 1070 or Email: nlssu.idsp@nic.in

CM chairs high-level meeting: To take stock of the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, the state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, convened a high-level meeting at his secretariat office, Kohima Monday.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said the meet was convened to bring out a collective decision for the best option in order to ensure the safety of the people. He urged the elected representatives to go to their respective districts and hold meeting with the district task force.

Expert views on State’s preparedness for Covid-19 was given by the chief secretary, Temjen Toy and principal director health and family welfare (H&FW), Dr. VizolieSuokhrie. 

The chief secretary stated that two important aspects of the pandemic were prevention and preparedness. He expressed satisfaction with the H&FW department for following all preventive guidelines issued by the Centre. He, however, stressed on the importance of personal prevention. 

Concerning preparedness, Toy stated that video conference with all the concerned agencies at the Centre was being held regularly and all directions issued were followed. 

Stating that most cases of COVID-19 deaths were caused by respiratory problem, the chief secretary stressed on the importance of procuring more ventilators. He stated that in rural areas, the rural development department through self help groups would act as a network channel to assist H&FW department to contain the pandemic.

Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie informed that Nagaland had no reported or suspected case till date. He stated that the department has initiated procurement of more Personal Protection Equipments and Ventilators to meet the need of all the districts. He also stated that all districts have identified locations for quarantine which includes Military Hospitals, TB Hospitals, AYUSH Hospitals and some government infrastructures.