Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie, Principal Director, H&FW expressed concern over the surge of COVID-19 cases in the State, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur. He was addressing the media today along with other officials of the department, at the Directorate of Health and Family.  

He said that the number of positive cases were stable till August. However, towards the end of September and beginning of October, there has been a spike in the number of positive cases and in the number of symptomatic cases. He also said that there has been an increase in the mortality rate during this period.

With the process of Unlock, Dr Vizolie said that people have become complacent and have stopped following proper measures such as wearing masks and maintenance of social distance. He said that many people are resisting and reluctant for testing and they report very late about their symptoms, only at the later stage when it gets serious. He also said that re-infection is possible for people who have recovered from COVID-19 and asked them not to be complacent. With the onset of winter, the situation will get more serious if the public becomes complacent, he added. He also expressed deep concern over big gatherings such as weddings and other festivities.

The Department reasserted that there is no “community transmission”, even though there is “community spread” and asked the public not to be confused with the two terms. The problem of stigmatization and discrimination is still prevalent and Dr Vizolie expressed concern over the issue. 

The Principal Director stressed the importance of early testing and diagnosis. He added that there is no definitive treatment and that prevention is the best weapon. He also appealed to the public to strictly follow the preventive measures of regular hand washing, physical distancing and wearing of masks. Dr Vizolie also asked the public the strictly observed the various SOPs issued by the Government. He added that the fight against COVID-19 is a “collective social responsibility”.