COVID-19: Dimapur reviews district preparedness

Caption: Minister PHED Jacob Zhimomi addressing a review meeting for Dimapur district in the DC’s Conference Hall, Dimapur on March 27. (DIPR Photo)

Key points:

• 60 people under quarantine

• DC Office in Chümoukedima can be converted into COVID-19 hospital if needed

• 96 isolation beds, 8 were equipped with ventilators, have been identified

• DMC has sanitized 96 colonies and market places; has initiated daily sweeping

Dimapur, March 27 (MExN): The Dimapur District Administration, line departments and elected members from constituencies under Dimapur district reviewed the COVID-19 related logistics and guidelines that are in place in the district on Friday.

During the meeting, various aspects like the monitoring of prices of essential commodities and protective gear, status of health infrastructure, etc were discussed, according to updates from the DIPR.

60 under quarantine in Dimapur

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Anoop Khinchi informed the meeting that presently, there are 60 people have been placed in quarantine under the care of the district administration.

Providing updates on the arrangements being made in case of an outbreak, the DC stated that the new DC Office in Chümoukedima would be converted into a COVID-19 hospital in case of emergency. He also informed that all ambulances in the district have been requisitioned and out of these, 10 were earmarked for COVID-19 cases.

Dimapur Chief Medical Officer, Dr Pangjung Sangtam informed that 96 isolation beds have been identified, out of which 8 were equipped with ventilators. He also informed that 18 ambulances have been requisitioned (both government and private) and drivers have been trained and their numbers noted.

Monitor prices of commodities

PHED Minister Jacob highlighted the need to monitor the issue of price hike of essential commodities and called upon the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to tie up and monitor prices.

Similarly, Advisor Sericulture, Excise and Tribal Affairs Zhaleo Rio asked the DC to ensure that shopkeepers should not charge exorbitant rates for essential commodities taking advantage of the situation. Continue to monitor the price hike of essential commodities and medical equipment and also ensure that there is no rush during shopping hours, he added.

A proposal to impose complete shutdown and activate an Essential Commodity Task Force to meet emergency needs was submitted by Dimapur Commissioner of Police Rothihu Tetseo. However, no further details on the matter were provided in the DIPR report.

Medical Department should provide exact status

Jacob Zhimomi asked the Medical Department to put up its requirements in writing through the DC Dimapur so that the exact status would be clear. He also appealed doctors and officials posted in subdivisions to be stationed at their place of posting during this crucial hour. Requesting them to work in close coordination with village councils, he was of the view that no outsiders should be hosted in their respective jurisdictions as a preventive step. Village council members and the youth involved in “moral policing” were also advised to use masks and maintain social distance.

Zhaleo Rio acknowledged the government and private agencies, NGOs, village councils, youths for coming forward and providing all necessary logistics, cash and kind and encouraged them to continue their services. We are thankful to God as there is no positive case in Nagaland so far, but we should not be complacent, Zhaleo added.

Advisor for Power, Tovihoto pointed out the vulnerability of the district and thanked the district administration, police, medical department and all those involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, DMC Administrator Albert Ezung informed that the DMC has sanitized 96 colonies and market places and initiated daily sweeping. Spraying of disinfectants in places including quarantine centres began on Thursday, Ezung added. Further, he raised concern on the safety of sanitation workers following which the members advised the Medical Department to take steps for the frontline workers.