Health dept. renews call to follow Covid preventive measures

Dimapur, Dec. 17 (EMN): The department of Health and Family Welfare has reiterated the necessity to observe all preventive measures pertaining to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour as well as to involve actively in creating awareness in sensitising people on prevention from the virus and to strictly enforce the SOPs and take action for violation as per legal provisions against the offenders.

The resolution to this effect was taken during a consultative meeting of the Health department with church organisations, civil society organisations, representatives from the district administration and municipal council held on December 16.

The consultative meeting was organised on account of the surge in Covid-19 cases and with a view to contain the risk of spread of the virus during the winter season which coincides with flu season coupled with the ensuing festive season, a DIPR report stated on Thursday.

Following threadbare discussion, the members have appeal to all concerned:

(a) To avoid mobile carolling in groups and processions, picnics, partying, merrymaking and other entertainment events that involve crowding.

1. To defer or postpone conferences, jubilees, convocations etc. scheduled during the festive season.
2. Weddings to follow SOPs and preventive measures at all times.
3. Christmas and New Year community feasts may be avoided or if unavoidable, may be served in take-away packages and to follow all social distancing measures and Covid appropriate behaviour at all times.
4. To avoid travelling to other places particularly from towns to villages to attend social events. If unavoidable, to follow preventive measures at all times.
5. Devotional services should be staggered to minimise crowding and to follow preventive measures at all times.
6. Food vendors should observe SOPs and not entertain customer without wearing face mask and ensure that there is no crowding around the stalls, and to serve the food in take-away packages.
7. People with Flu-like symptoms should isolate themselves and come forward for testing as timely testing, detection and early treatment can prevent debilitating complications and reduce mortalities.
8. Public transport operators to adhere with the SOPs and authorized enforcing agencies to take strict action for violation of the SOPs as per legal provisions against the offenders.

It further made it known to all young people that Covid-19 complications do not discriminate but affects all age groups. As maximum confirmed cases are between the age of 20-40 years and even if they do not develop complications, it was feared that they may spread the disease and become super–spreaders endangering the community particularly the elderly and people with co-morbidities.