Stay home for the next few weeks: Guv

The Nagaland Governor's message. (Morung Image)

•    Says next few weeks are very crucial to contain community spread
•    Assures people there is enough stock of essential commodities 
•    Urges people to participate in ‘Janata Curfew’ on March 22

 

DIMAPUR, MARCH 20 (MExN): Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi today appealed to the people of the State to practise social distancing, while urging them to stay home for the next few weeks unless it is absolutely essential to go out.

A press release from the Governor made clear that the next few weeks are “very crucial for all of us.”  According to experts, India is still at Stage-II of COVID-19, the Governor stated, adding: “we have to prevent it from exploding into Stage-III which, if not stopped, would go virulent through community contact.” 

“This can be prevented by the resolve and restraint of our people.  Each of us has to exercise social restraint which is being popularly called as social distancing,” the Governor said. 

The Governor however acknowledged that health workers and those engaged in maintaining essential supplies as well as members of law-enforcement agencies would have to perform their work and services. 

Barring them, Ravi said that gathering of people must be avoided and elderly people, especially those above 60 years and children below 10 years must stay at home. He further asked people to sincerely respond to Prime Minister's appeal and observe the Janata Curfew from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm on March 22. 

The Governor assured that he has reviewed the overall preparedness of the State Government. “Though there is no positive case reported in Nagaland so far, keeping the nature of the outbreak, arrangements are being made and improved upon regularly,” he stated. 

Besides the State Level Task Force, district task forces have been constituted in all districts, vigorous screening of passengers at entry points are ongoing, isolation beds have been identified, border screening is being done at 14 entry points, 24x7 help line numbers are in operation. 

He further assured the people that there is enough stock of essential commodities, asking the people to stay calm and not to resort to panic buying or hoarding. 

He asked people to follow the advisories of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the State Government. Ravi also encouraged Church leaders and leaders of other faith based organisations to create awareness and disseminate required preventive information and advisories to the people at the grass root level. 

“Our health workers are at the frontline of the battle. They are doing excellent work. I appeal to the people to applaud them and help them by avoiding visit to the hospitals for routine check-ups for the next a few weeks or panic testing,” he stated.

The Governor meanwhile thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for closely monitoring the situation, stating that his address to the nation “has been immensely re-assuring to the people.”

Stay calm, the Governor stressed, while urging all to follow the preventive measures. 

Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton also urged the people of the State to join the Prime Minister’s call to observe a 'Janata Curfew'. 

“While keeping in mind our duties and responsibilities; let us join our hearts together for prevention and containing the pandemic,” he urged. He meanwhile stated that the Nagaland Government is on the job to handle the COVID-19 situation “with utmost sincerity and dedication.” 

The Deputy CM urged all officials, personnel and departments to continue with their jobs with renewed vigour and determination. 

A similar appeal was made by the Nagaland Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy urging all citizens of the State to participate in the ‘Janata Curfew.’