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Vol XXX No. 223
DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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‘Community spread has started and the situation is bad’: IMA Chairman NEW DELHI, JUL 18 (AGENCIES): With one million people getting affected by Covid-19, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is of the view that community spread has started and the situation is pretty bad. While speaking to Asian News International (ANI), Dr V K Monga, the Chairman of IMA Hospital Board of India said, “This is now an exponential growth. Every day the number of cases is increasing by more than around 30,000. This is really a bad situation for the country. There are so many factors connected with it but overall this is now spreading to rural areas. This is a bad sign. It now shows a community spread.” According to the latest update by the Union Health Ministry, the total confirmed cases reached 10,38,716. There are 3,58,629 active cases and 6,53,751 cured/ discharged/migrated. A total of 26,273 deaths have been registered to date. The chairman of IMA further said, “Cases are pen-
4 charged for pig smuggling DIMAPUR, JUL 18 (NPN): Dimapur police Saturday disclosed that a case has been registered with the Diphupar Police Station against four persons involved in smuggling of pigs from Balijan Assam to Dimapur, which were confiscated on July 18 near 3rd Mile. According to PRO Dimapur Police, the accused were charged under relevant section of IPC, the Epidemic Act, 1897 and Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. PRO also disclosed that , the four accused have been identified as- Bipul Mech (22) of Kushiabil, Dimapur; Arun Boro (23) of Magurmurry Rajapathar, Karbi Anglong, Assam, present Address Kushiabil Dimapur; Lipoksunep Ozukum (25) present address 4th Mile ‘L’ Khel Dimapur and Sashi Ozukum (33), present address Duncan ‘L’ Khel Dimapur. Meanwhile, police reminded public that the state government has banned the import of pig from neighbouring states in view of the outbreak of African Swine Flu. Police therefore, warned that any violation of the order would amount to criminal offence for which necessary legal action would be pursued against the defaulter.
This is it!
“It’s unwritten but understood. Except for opposition, quarantine rules don’t apply to some VIP politicians.” K Y M C
Dr V K Monga (File)
etrating down into towns and villages where it will be very difficult to control the situation. In Delhi, we were able to contain it, but what about interior parts of the country in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Madhya Pradesh (which may be the new hotspots)?” “All these issues are very important and the state governments should take full care and seek help of the Central government to control the situation,” Monga said. As many as 1,34,33,742 samples have been tested for Covid-19 till July 17.
Of these 3,61,024 samples were tested on Friday, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said. ICMR is ramping up testing facilities regularly. At present, 885 government laboratories and 368 private laboratory chains are conducting Covid-19 tests across the country. “This is a viral disease that spreads very fast. To contain the disease there are only two options. Firstly, 70 per cent population contracts the disease and gets immune, and other is getting an immunisation,” stated Monga. Vaccination, being the greatest hope to contain Covid-19, India’s two indigenous vaccine makers would be starting human trials soon. “There has to be phases of trials then human trial, then efficacy and side effects. Also, importantly it has to be seen how long this immunity will last because most of the patients are unable to go beyond three months of immunity,” said Dr Monga.
India added last quarter million Covid-19 cases in just 8 days: On July 16, India became only the third country in the world to reach the grim milestone of one million confirmed Covid-19 cases. The United States and Brazil are the other two countries who have crossed this mark. The journey to a million cases took 137 days since March 2, but each quarter of that million has come at a faster pace. The first 2.5 lakh cases took 98 days. Cases in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi - which have the highest number of cumulative Covid-19 cases in the country - constituted 57% of all cases at the time. The next quarter of a million cases took less than three weeks (19 days). The share of the ‘Big Three’ states in total cases stood at 60%. On the day India hit the million mark - it took just eight days for the country to record the last quarter of that million - the top three states accounted for 55.7% cases.
Leeds United return to EPL after 16 years
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India’s COVID death toll reaches 26,273
No decision yet on re-opening of schools: PD School Education
NEW DELHI, JUL 18 (PTI): The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 26,273 in the country with 671 fatalities reported in a day, the Union Health Ministry data updated at 8 am on Saturday showed. With 34,884 people testing positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 caseload surged to 10,38,716 while 6,53,750 patients have recovered from the disease so far, according to data. At present, there are 3,58,692 active cases in the country, while 6,53,750 people have recovered so far and one has migrated. “Around 62.94 per cent of patients have recovered so far,” an official said. The total number of confirmed cases includes foreigners. This is the third consecutive day when the number of COVID-19 cases increased by more than 30,000. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 1,34,33,742 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to July 17 with 3,61,024 samples being tested on Friday.
Survey on July 22 to seek parents view on re-opening Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 18, (NPN): With the surge in COVID positive cases in the state, the Department of School Education (DoSE) was yet to decide on re-opening of educational institutions. All schools, both private and government, have been shut since March. While expressing serious concern for the students, DoSE principal director Shanavas C informed Nagaland Post the government will take the call depending on the situation. Being located in the district headquarters and sub-divisions with internet facilities, he said the online evaluation and exams of high schools and higher secondary schools were satisfactory. However, those schools-- mainly GPS and GMS located in villages faced connectivity issues, which was why the depart-
ment had to opt for offline mode, he added. In order to monitor the activities, Shanavas said that the department would be launching a mobile application for teachers soon. NBSE to decide on syllabus: Shanavas informed that the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NNBSE) is likely to hold an online meeting with officials to decide on reducing the syllabus if required. Once this is decided, DoSE will take the call on the academic calendar of conducting the annual exams. Since it may not be practical to hold the 2020 annual exams-- usually held during November and December, the exams may be scheduled to be held in February or March, 2021. However, he said nothing has been decided yet. If the situation does not improve and schools do not re-open, Shanavas said that the focus will be given to the higher classes like Class X and XII. Survey for parents: Shanavas also said that the department has decided to conduct a survey for parents of students studying in both
private and government on July 22 (from 3 p.m. to 3.45 p.m.), to seek their opinion on matters related to reopening of schools after lockdown gets lifted. He said that parents will have to login to the online evaluation portal of the department (https://dosenl. in) on the specified date and time using the user credentials already registered by their children for appearing in the online evaluation. Shanavas said that students’ registration was still open and those who were yet to register have been asked to do so before taking part in the survey. During the survey, the parents will have to respond to 15 questions within the 45 minutes timeframe and then “submit”. It may be mentioned that DoSE, on July 15, warned that reopening of schools in any manner in violation of the ‘lockdown order’ was strictly prohibited. DoSE warned of severe disciplinary action against head of Institutions and members of school management committees/ boards violating the lockdown order.
State COVID tally now 978 AKIDA threatens to continue strike; Mnp ADGP critical after COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 18, 2020 demands action against miscreants allegedly shooting self District
ACTIVE CASES Total Recovered Cases Asymptomatic Mild Moderate
Dimapur
224
1
1
161
386
Kiphire
0
0
0
0
0
Kohima
101
0
0
86
187
Longleng
2
0
0
0
2
Mokokchung
5
0
0
0
5
Mon
83
0
0
0
83
Peren
107
1
0
139
248
Phek
8
0
0
9
17
Tuensang
10
0
0
34
44
Wokha
1
0
0
0
1
Zunheboto
2
0
0
3
5
Total
543
2
1
432
978
DIMAPUR, JUL 18 (NPN): Nagaland on Saturday registered 22 fresh COVID-19 positive cases, taking the state’s total tally to 978 cases-- 546 active and 432 recovered. State Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom said out of 216 samples tested from various quarantine centres, 11 tested positive in Peren, 8 in Dimapur and 3 in Kohima.
All the positive persons were shifted to the designated COVID-19 hospitals and COVID Care Centres. Further, active surveillance and contact tracing was on to prevent further spreading of the infection. As per the severity of symptoms, 543 active cases were asymptomatic, 2 with mild symptoms and 1 with moderate symptom.
DIMAPUR, JUL 18 (NPN): All Kohima Indane Distributors Association (AKIDA) has cautioned that it would be compelled to continue with its ongoing “indefinite bandh” of all LPG showrooms and LPG services in Kohima if state authorities failed to take strict legal action against the miscreants involved in the July 4 and 9 assault on LPG workers. This was contained in a representation by AKIDA president Kuolachalie Seyie and general secretary Tseibou Dzüvichü addressed to the chief secretary, DGP and commissioner Nagaland. AKIDA also demanded security for its members and particularly the business community of Nagaland in general against “multiple UG taxation, assault and harassments.” AKIDA highlighted the plight of business community who it said, were
being “overburdened” by the “so-called multiple UG taxation” as they struggle for survival and support their family. They also said traders were often assaulted by “unscrupulous tax collectors” for failing to meet their demands. The recent two incidents were “just a tip of the iceberg”, it said, adding, there were also many unaccounted cases rampantly happening in the State. AKIDA said it was greatly disheartened that 98% of accused arrested on extortion cases were released on bail within a couple of days. Citing recent reports, the association expressed surprise that even in serious offences booked under Arms Act and Explosives Substance Act, that prescribed minimum punishment of 5 years or more, accused were awarded merely 5-10 days of sentence often with the concurrence of the public
prosecutors. AKIDA said this clearly reflected “poor functioning of the law and order in the State” for which the business community was always at the receiving end due to such lapses. AKIDA reminded that the business community regularly pay huge GST tax and that having to bear the additional demands of the “so called multiple UG taxation” has made it extremely difficult for the business persons to survive. AKIDA maintained that it was the responsibility of the government, administration and police to monitor, regulate, prevent crimes from happening and protect the lives and security of its citizens. However, AKIDA expressed dismay that the state of affairs of the law enforcing agency has often failed when it came to the protecting the rights of business communities.
Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUL 18 (NPN): Manipur’s Addl. Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arvind Kumar allegedly shot himself with his service gun at his official quarter at 2nd Manipur Rifles Complex in Imphal on Saturday. Kumar, a 1992 batch IPS officer of Manipur cadre, was recently repatriated back to his parent cadre after serving in the Intelligence Bureau, New Delhi as deputy director. Soon after the incident, Kumar was rushed to Raj Medicity hospital in Imphal’s North AOC and admitted to the ICU in critical condition . He had allegedly shot himself at his chin and the bullet exited through his head. Police were yet to ascertain the reason behind the incident. Manipur chief secretary Dr J Suresh
Arvind Kumar (File)
Babu and top police officials rushed to the hospital to assess the condition of the ADGP. “It is a very unfortunate incident. For the time being, we don’t know what is the background? But, he is lucky, he is able to respond. His condition is out of danger,” he said. Talking to reporters, the chief secretary also said that arrangements were being made to take Arvind Kumar to Delhi for further treatment if his condition improves.
AIIMS to begin Covid vaccine human trial from next week Eden hospital clarifies NEW DELHI, JUL 18 (IANS): In a major development, AIIMS Delhi will begin human trials of India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, from next week on 100 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 55. The volunteers will be kept under observation for a period of nearly 150 days. Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). According to Bharat Biotech, The Phase 1 clinical trial for Covaxin has been initiated across the country from July 15 onwards, and this is a randomised, doubleblind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 375 volunteers across the country. Speaking to IANS, Sanjay Rai, Professor of Community Medicine and Principal Investigator of
Covid-19 vaccine trial at AIIMS, said, “We will begin human trials of India’s first indigenous vaccine, Covaxin, on 100 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 55 years. We will ensure that none of the volunteers have any comorbidities. AIIMS will conduct trials on 100 volunteers out of a total of 375 persons.” AIIMS has also set up a dedicated email and phone number for the volunteers to register themselves for this project. The volunteers will
have to undergo tests, which include Covid-19 test and also tests for other comorbidities. If found healthy, they will be administered the vaccine. According to a senior official, recently the ethics committee has given a goahead for human trials for the vaccine, and AIIMS will begin registering volunteers as per the procedure. “After administering the vaccine, we will follow up with the volunteers through phone calls. They
will be kept under observation for nearly 150 days,” added Rai. Volunteers willing to register for human trials can email at ctaiims. covid19@gmail.com. On Friday, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had said that human trial of a vaccine against novel coronavirus has begun at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak. “Three subjects have enrolled for the trial and tolerated the vaccine very well. There were no adverse effects,” he said. The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune, and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine was developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3A (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. The Drug Controller General of India, Central
Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare granted permission to initiate Phase-I and II human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from pre-clinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. BBIL, which is known to be one of the leading vaccine makers in India and has previously collaborated with global firms for vaccine production said that the first phase of the trial will be randomized double-blind clinical trials, wherein some of the volunteers will be administrated a vaccine dose while others will be given a placebo, to see how the vaccine works. While phase I usually involves 30-40 participants, COVAXIN’s trials are being advanced and involve a larger pool of candidates.
Says RT-PCR result of patient awaited
DIMAPUR, JUL 18 (NPN): With reports going viral on social media about Eden Medical Centre (EMC) was sealed on July 18 when a patient had tested positive for COVID-19, EMC director Dr. Lima Imchen has issued to clarify on the matter. Dr. Lima informed that on July 17 evening, a patient complaining of “respiratory distress” was rushed to the ICU and intubated after being diagnosed with pneumonia. After conducting the “screening test” for COVID-19 in the laboratory, he said the test turned out to be positive but needed further test for confirmation. Dr. Lima said that the Dimapur COVID Task Force was immediately informed and re-sampling for confirmatory RT-PCR test was done on July 18 adding that , the result was expected to be out by July 19. As a precautionary measure, he said the ICU was sealed and Out Patient Department and emergency services closed till the RT-PCR result was made available. Meanwhile, EMC administrator also informed Nagaland Post over phone that the patient’s report was awaited and that the hospital was not sealed but the authorities (EMC) had kept it under “containment”, till the result was out. The administrator also said that the patient had minimal contact at the hospital and was directly taken to ICU, which was later sealed. It also clarified that the hospital was not sealed but OPD and emergency services suspended as precautionary measures till the result was out. K Y M C