Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur in Nagaland, Anoop Kinchi convened a meeting of the Dimapur District Task Force members today where issues pertaining to COVID 19 pandemic were deliberated upon.

In the meeting, the DC expressed very serious concern with regard to continued barring of entry/exit of people working in the frontline/providing essential services, by several colonies/villages despite repeated appeals made by the district administration. DC Dimapur warned that strict action will be initiated and cases would be registered against those obstructing movement of the frontline workers.

Frontline workers are encouraged to report such instances. Reminding that social organisations have a very important role during such situations, Anoop Kinchi appealed to the NGOs, GBs/village councils for sensitising and educating the people in their respective colonies/villages.

“Instead of people guarding the village/ colonies in groups it is always better to stay at home and maintain social distance and be safe, DC advised.

Echoing in the same line, CMO and MS Dimapur also expressed concern with regard to the barring of medical workers by the villages/colonies. Since Dimapur district Hospital has been converted into COVID-19 hospital, patients with other health problems have to depend on the private hospitals.

However, private hospitals are also finding it hard to function, as their workers are facing movement problems and if this continues, private hospitals will be bound to close down, then what will happen to the other patients, rued CMO Dimapur.

COVID-19 being a new disease, the members felt that people need to be sensitised more in order to remove apprehensions about burial in case of death of COVID-19 patients.  In this regard, CMO Dimapur explained the protocol of burial of such cases to the members so that people can be educated on this issue.

CMO clarified that dead bodies after being disinfected by the Medical team can be taken by the relatives for burial or cremation. The only restriction is that the dead body should not be touched by the family members. Once all burial protocols are followed, there is nothing to worry about, CMO informed. 

The meeting decided that the wholesale system would continue till further orders. DC Dimapur appreciated and expressed satisfaction over the manner in which lockdown has been enforced presently at Dimapur and said all precautionary measures are taken to contain coronavirus.

Further, he said that Dimapur COVID-19 Hospital is fully geared up and equipped, ready to take patients. With cooperation from all sectors, we will definitely be able to defeat COVID-19, Anoop maintained.