International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration to go virtual in Nagaland

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 25 (EMN): The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Diethono Nakhro, on Wednesday advised that large gatherings and programmes be avoided in the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated every year on December 3, will be celebrated online, she informed.

“While it is understood that this will be a huge disappointment for all concerned, especially for the children, it would not be wise to take unnecessary risks with large gatherings at this time given the current situation of surging Covid infections,” Nakhro said.

The World Health Organisation has declared that certain populations including PwDs may be “impacted more significantly” and at “greater risk” of contracting the coronavirus disease and therefore additional considerations are required for this population during such a time.

The state commissioner also reminded that many people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable due to underlying health conditions and this must be given utmost consideration while making a decision in this regard.

Considering the current situation, an online programme is being planned by the office of the state commissioners for PwDs to mark the day, the link of which will be provided closer to the date, she added.

“Our hope is that the situation will get back to a semblance of normalcy sooner than later so that we can take up all our programmes and activities in earnest again,” Nakhro stated.

Until such time arrives, she urged all to take required precautions and make sure that everyone stays safe.