Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXI No. 182
DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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HPC likely to review lockdown today Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 7 (NPN): As the end of second cycle of lockdown draws near-June 11, there are indications that there could be some relaxation in some areas with some restrictions. The number of new Covid positive cases which were above 250 and at times even 300 in a single day during May, have gradually declined. That has led many health workers, especially doctors to attribute it to the lockdown. While there appears to be some among the policy decision makers who are not disinclined on a gradual unlock, the main cause of concern was however, the indiscipline among public in not following the prescribed Covid protocols. When contacted, a High Powered Committee (HPC) member informed Nagaland Post that the committee is to deliberate and decide on how to go about with the lockdown at its meeting on June 8. The member said the HPC will however take the views of District Task
State records 145 cases, 3 Covid deaths
DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Nagaland on Monday recorded 145 fresh Covid-19 positive cases as the total caseload neared the 23,000 mark while three more patients succumbed to the infection. For the second day in a row, Mokokchung reported the highest single day case count of 40 cases, Tuensang36, Dimapur-31, Kohima-23, five from Mon, four in Zunheboto, two each in Kiphire and Longleng and one each in Peren and Phek, taking the total caseload to 22918. The daily death count dropped to its lowest level in two months with Dimapur, Kohima and Phek reporting one death each, taking the death toll to 429 including 14 non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity.
Hardware shops to open in Dimapur DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, R. Soundararajan, has informed that all hardware shops in Dimapur will be allowed to open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. till 12 noon from June 8 till further orders. DC stated that the proprietors would be responsible for ensuring compliance to Covid SOPs.
This is it!
“Run, they’re on a rampant testing drive for covid-19.” K Y M C
Forces (DTFs) through video conferencing. It was also learnt that the Health and Family Welfare department has given its report that positivity report has declined to some extent. The committee members are also to hold video conferencing with all the district officials-- DCs, SPs and CMOs of various districts in order to obtain status report of their respective districts and also solicit their views on further course of action. The HPC member also expressed unhappiness over the blatant flouting of Covid protocols by the public. He said this attitude has to change if the efforts to contain the spread of the virus was to succeed. Meanwhile, sources in the Health department informed Nagaland Post that even as the two cycles of virus replication would complete on June 11, the department would present its report to HPC depending on the case reporting and existing ground situation. To a quer y, these sources said that until the district representatives gave their ground report, things
remained uncertain. The sources expressed concern over the daily wage earners who were having the hardest time during this lockdown period. The sources said that all these problems faced by lowest income groups will be mentioned in the report that will be presented to the HPC on June 8. Many more people in Dimapur and Kohima are testing positive for covid19. However, interestingly, most of them say they do not know from whom they got infected nor which place(s). This is a clear evidence of community transmission or stage- 3 of Covid transmission. This is the stage of community transmission and takes place when the source of an individual’s infection can’t be traced and isolated. During this stage, those who have not been exposed to an infected person or anyone who has a travel history to affected countries still test positive for the coronavirus. At this stage of disease transmission, the individu-
als within a city or community begin to contract the infection randomly, hence making it more challenging to track down all those who could possibly have the disease. A World Health Organization (WHO) report has shown that India continues to label itself as a country with no community transmission despite registering the highest number of cases in the world each day. Instead, the government of India’s health and family welfare ministry chose to describe the current transmission as “cluster of cases” or coming from clusters. In cluster of cases, the government would focus on testing, contact tracing and isolation to contain the spread of infection. However, in community transmission, the government would have to focus on prioritising treatment and issuing advisories to protect its citizens. The Centre has consistently refused to admit to community transmission of the virus even as India has recorded a total of 2.89 crore cases.
Mkg grapples with testing, manpower Correspondent
MOKOKCHUNG, JUN 7 (NPN): Despite recent surge of 164 Covid-19 positive cases here, the medical department in Mokokchung is now faced with major issues in testing and manpower availability. Even as ‘active case s u r ve y ’ c o n d u c t e d a t Mokokchung town between May 31-June 1 had detected many positives cases, Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital is facing hiccups in testing as some machines were out of order due to technical issues and, adding to the woes of hospital, some of its doctors and staff had tested positive, thereby affecting
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its normal functioning. One doctor from IMDH told Nagaland Post on condition of anonymity that the surge in positive cases was on expected lines and explained that any pandemic had a peak and plateauing. The doctor attributed the spike in cases to people not following Covid SOPs, while pointing out that another factor responsible was people not coming forward to seek medical attention despite being sick. Testing machines: It has been learnt that out of four TrueNat RNA machines for Covid testing, three had initially gone out of service and testing was being done only with one
machine. As one of the machine was repaired and brought from Guwahati, it has been pressed into service since the past one or two days. This led to delay in declaring test results as machine shortage could not cope up with the numbers of tests conducted, even as samples are being sent to BSL2 lab at Tuensang, which takes three to four days for the results to arrive. Thus, an individual has to wait for several days awaiting test results. IMDH staff: Coupled with this, around 30 staff, including doctors had also tested positive, thus hampering the normal functioning of the hospital. (Cont’d on p-8)
India beat B’desh 2-0 as Chhetri strikes double sports, Page 12
Govt to provide free Covid vax to states for all above 18 years starting June 21 NEW DELHI, JUN 7 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that the central government will provide free coronavirus vaccine to states for inoculation of all above the age of 18 from June 21, and asserted that vaccine supply would be increased significantly in the country in coming days. The Centre has decided to buy 75 per cent of jabs from vaccine makers, including 25 per cent of the state quota, and give it for free to state governments, the prime minister said in an address to the nation. Modi said private sector hospitals can continue to procure 25 per cent of vaccines, but their service charge would be capped at Rs 150 per dose over fixed price of the vaccine. As several states take cautious steps towards unlocking and easing of restrictions with a decline in
Fuel prices rise for second day DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) raised petrol and diesel prices for second consecutive day on Monday taking the prices of two auto fuels to historic highs across the country. According to a price notification of OMCs, petrol price was hiked by 28 paise per litre and diesel by 27 paise per litre. After Monday’s rate revision, petrol price rose to Rs.94.04 per litre and diesel price surged to Rs.88.33 per litre. Similarly, in the state capital Kohima, prices of petrol and diesel climbed to an all-time high of Rs. 94.99 per litre and Rs.89.09 per litre respectively. The hike on Monday was the 21st increase in prices since May 4. In 21 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 4.96 per litre and diesel by Rs 5.56 a litre.
HIGHLIGHTS
All above 18 years of age in the country to get free vaccination at government facilities from June 21 (Several states were already giving free vaccines to all in the 18-44 age group). Centre to buy 75 per cent of jabs from vaccine makers and give it for free to state governments. States will now have to spend no money on buying vaccines. Private sector hospitals will continue to procure 25 per cent of vaccines directly from manufacturers. Service charge of private hospitals to be capped at Rs 150 per dose over fixed price of the vaccine. The task of monitoring vaccination drive at private hospitals will remain with the state governments. COVID-19 cases, the prime minister said vaccination is like a protection shield against the virus and asserted that vaccine supply would be increased significantly in India in coming days.
Modi said seven companies are producing various vaccines against the coronavirus in the country and trial of three more vaccines is at an advanced stage. The process of procur-
ing vaccines from companies of other countries has also been expedited, the prime minister said. Amid concer ns expressed by experts recently over children being affected by the virus, Modi said that in this direction trials of two vaccines are being carried out. Modi said research is continuing on a nasal spray vaccine which, if successful, can significantly boost India’s vaccination drive, he said. Asserting that vaccines are like a protection shield against the virus, he also asserted that with the efforts made in the country recently, vaccine supply would be increased significantly in India in coming days. India proved its mettle by making two made-in-India COVID19 vaccines in a short time and over 23 crore doses have already been administered, Modi said.
PDA says, constructive criticism welcome, but unbecoming of Oppn to level wild allegation DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government has said while it appreciated and welcomed constructive criticism, it was unbecoming of responsible parties and senior leaders to make wild allegations without any authenticity merely to get media attention. Reacting to press releases and statements being made by opposition parties of late criticising the government and making several allegations, the ruling coalition in a press release termed the mention of “starvation war” in a statement as worrisome as this was akin to inciting public feelings and actions towards possible disorderly acts and chaos in society. It said responsible citizens of the State could judge such irresponsible conduct coming from those
claiming to be responsible parties and senior leaders. Despite implementing lockdown, the PDA claimed to have made all possible efforts to ensure that economic activities were not severely hampered. It pointed out that national highways, inter-district movements, economic activities, construction works and essential services were allowed to continue by adhering to SOPs, while home deliveries, courier services, hardware establishments, movement of construction materials, etc, were all permitted. Similarly, government offices and public establishments functioned by strictly following SOPs so that there were no shortfalls in administration and governance. Admitting that restrictions did cause inconveniences, the government
claimed that all possible efforts were made to ensure that economic activities were not completely shut down. The government further claimed to have made arrangements throughout the State to address any issue of distressed people under the aegis of district task forces (DTFs). Mentioning that DTFs were formed in every district, in which elected members of both the treasury and opposition benches and representatives of civil society organisations too were included, since the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the government said any concerns could have been transparently addressed through DTFs instead of making unconfirmed allegations though the media. (Cont’d on p-8)
NSCN (I-M) rejects proposed creation of KAATC H&FW to conduct intensified People continue to violate vax drive from June 8 to 18 Covid protocols in Dimapur
DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Drawing attention to the proposed move by the Government of India and the state government of Assam to create Karbi-Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC) in Karbi Anglong, the NSCN (I-M) Monday affirmed that it would not accept alienation of Nagas’ ancestral land, which it said was “tantamount to undermining the spirit of the Indo-Naga political talks.” NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that land alienation was the major point of conflict in the Northeast, particularly Assam and Nagaland, which it maintained was the creation of history under the colonial rule. Pointing out that the issue in focus was Karbi Anglong, erstwhile Rengma Hills,
the NSCN (I-M) said that the Rengma Hills were made the victims of “aggressive influx of outsiders for vested interests.” However, it said that their historical status as the true sons of the soil cannot be questioned. “For the same reason the Rengma Nagas have a glorious history, vis-à-vis their relations with the Ahoms and the British rulers,” NSCN (I-M) said. NSCN (I-M) said that the proposed creation of KAATC was to appease six rebel outfits including Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front, People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri, United People’s Liberation Army and three factions of Karbi People’s Liberation (Cont’d on p-8) Tiger.
DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Intensified COVID vaccination drive would be conducted from June 8-18, 2021 covering all health facilities and outreach session sites in urban colonies and villages from Mondays-Fridays. In a press release, principal director H&FW, Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao informed all the eligible 18-44 years and 45+ years beneficiaries to avail the opportunity.
One could contact their village/panchayat chairman/MO i/c ANM, ASHA, Anganwadi for sessions. Other than those CVCs shared by district officials for online registration and booking, the department said that all other sessions would be on-site registration and vaccination. People with Disability have also been requested to contact health workers in People throng New Market area in Dimapur on Monday. (NP) their area.
DHD lacks CT scan machine; minister assures to install soon Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Despite the claims of having improved health infrastructure in the backdrop of the raging second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, it has come to light that District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) still does not have a CT (computed tomography) scan machine, considered a basic equipment to gauge the severity of virus infection. The revelation comes in the background of Dimapur district, along with Kohima,
having the maximum Covid19 cases in the State. DHD sources informed Nagaland Post that patients requiring CT scan were sent to private hospitals by ambulance. Besides the CT scan machine, the hospital also lacks portable x-ray machine, which too has become a necessity as most Covid patients cannot be moved around and have to be constantly on oxygen support. At present, the hospital has one fixed x-ray machine, the sources added.
While diet, medicines and basic investigations were free at DHD, a nominal fee was being charged for Covid markers test with the director’s knowledge as the test kit was not being supplied by the government and purchased from the market, the sources confirmed. Health minister seeks proposal: Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) minister Pangnyu Phom on Monday assured of equipping DHD with CT scan machine and directed chief medical officer (CMO) and medical
superintendent (MS) to submit a proposal in this regard at the earliest. Interacting with senior officials of the hospital to listen to their grievances and also to take stock of equipment, medicines and other logistics available, he also expressed concern over lack of CT scan and portable x-ray machines. Pointing out that the department had a system that could not be bypassed, he advised them to send the requirements in the form of proposals. (Cont’d on p-8)
Jacob donates 2 x-ray machines
Public health engineering (PHE) minister Jacob Zhimomi has donated two high-frequency x-ray machines to DHD. He tweeted, “Donated 2 units of high frequency X-Ray machines to District Hospital Dimapur (Covid designated Hospital) in the presence of DC Dimapur and CMO Dimapur. Hope the equipment be useful for all requiring it.”
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 7 (NPN): Blatant flouting of safety protocols/Covid-appropriate behaviour continues to be witnessed in markets across Dimapur. A medical practitioner, who spoke to this Reporter, said if such continue to be a trend then the objective of lockdown to break the transmission chain of Covid infection will become a futile exercise. On Monday, a large number of shoppers at New Market and other market areas in Dimapur, who rushed to buy essential commodities did not bother about
maintaining social distancing. Many of the people modified the face mask into chin mask- covering the chin and exposing both nose and mouth. Although markets dealing with food and vegetable items are allowed to open till 2 p.m., public have been time and again reminded to strictly adhere to Covid protocols for the safety of everybody. A policeman on duty informed this Reporter that everyone wore masks but carelessly. He said some preferred to keep masks safely inside their pockets and only put them on whenever some police personnel were around. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C