No plans for second lockdown in Nagaland, as of date: Official

KOHIMA:

There is no plan to go for a second lockdown in Nagaland, as of date, said Principal Secretary in charge of Health and Family Welfare Department, Amardeep Singh Bhatia. 

“As of date, we have few cases and, we hope that with the increased surveillance, testing and also responsible behaviour, we will contain the spread of the virus,” Bhatia said.

He said that they had reviewed the preparedness for tackling the second wave of COVID if it comes.

“We have reviewed the availability of oxygens, medicines, and the preparedness of our medical officers to deal with the situation. We have instructed all our medical officers to take part in the weekly webinar on the national treatment protocols organised by AIIMS,” he added.

Surveillance activities in the state have been strengthened, especially in the airport and other entry points. 

“We have given directions to all District Task Force to have weekly meetings and review the progress,” Bhatia said.

The department aims to have a positivity rate of 5 per cent in the state. 

They are also conducting random testing drives, especially in the high-risk areas and, also focusing on the taxi, bus and auto drivers, Bhatia informed.

He also pointed out that there is a hesitancy from the people to get tested because of the stigma that is attached. 

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"On account of this, we directed the districts to carry out testing randomly at sensitive spots. The aim is to carry out testing, both using contact tracing in such a manner so that we can have a positivity rate of less than 5 per cent,” he added. 

The number of active positive cases in Nagaland remains low; however, there are concerns over the low percentage of COVID vaccine in all categories. 

Nagaland reports having the lowest percentage of COVID vaccine immunisation.

Bhatia raised concerns on the low turnout of people taking the COVID vaccine stating that people are still hesitant to come forward because of the false rumours and prophecies on the vaccine not being safe.

He said that the health department has taken various steps and measures to ensure that the percentage of the vaccination drive picks up. 

A vaccination centre has also been set up at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat to effectively control the spread of the virus and, to facilitate all those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We have the maximum number of government servants coming to the Secretariat. So, keeping that in view, we have set up a vaccination centre at the Secretariat so that the staff can avail the vaccination more easily. The response till now is good,” said Bhatia.

The government has directed all districts to organise COVID vaccination centres at the district offices, in consultation with the churches and other places, to facilitate the public, who are eligible for vaccination.

Bhatia urged all the eligible people to come forward, take the vaccine, and also to get themselves tested if they have any symptoms.