Kohima DTF discusses total lockdown benefits

Dimapur, Aug. 7 (EMN): The Kohima district task force (DTF) on Covid-19 dwelled on benefits of the 14-day lockdown within the Kohima municipal area under Kohima Sadar jurisdiction from July 25 to August 7.

The district task force conducted a meeting in DC's office chamber, Kohima, on August 7, a DIPR report stated.

Evaluating the positive aspects of the two-week total lockdown in the district, the DTF felt that it had facilitated the medical team in contact tracing and surveillance activities, which enabled them to handle the tasks in more efficient and better manner though opinions and observations in support as well as against of total lockdown were made by various sections.

Briefing the members on the advantages of lockdown, the chief medical officer (CMO), Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu stated shifting of positive cases to Covid Hospital/ Care Centre, shifting of persons to sample collection site and sealing of the epicentre areas were made much easier during this lockdown period as most of the positive cases were reported from outside the quarantine centres (QC).

She also added that people were made more aware and disciplined which helped the medical team to track the contacts outside the QC effectively.

The medical superintendent (MS) of NHAK, Dr. Visasieü, also pointed out that most of the primary and secondary contacts of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the Chief Minister’s Bungalow were traced, tested and isolated. She added that the chain of local transmission among the public was reduced and more awareness was created in compliance to the precautionary measures.

The district surveillance office (DSO), Dr. Aseno, also stated that the result of the lockdown has reduced the work load of lab technicians, who have been working tirelessly at BSL-3 at NHAK and medical team as well. The number of contact tracing for testing outside the QC has become less, which ultimately resulted less positive cases at Covid Hospital and Covid Care Centre, she added. 

The DTF also took up issues regarding setting up of TrueNat machine in sub-divisions under Kohima district and decided to propose for installation of TrueNat machine in all four blocks namely Tseminyu, Chiephobozou, Sechü Zubza and TB Hospital to the government.

On paid facility to be implemented at K Badze quarantine centre from August 10 as notified by the Home department, the DTF has decided to charge INR 300 per day for lunch and dinner from all the returnees/ travellers who are at the quarantine facility.

Other issues regarding awareness and sensitisation of the public, measures to check wearing of masks and other safety protocols and waste management were also taken up for follow-up actions.

The meeting, chaired by the deputy commissioner and chairman of Kohima DTF, Gregory Thejawelie, was attended by legislator in-charge of Kohima district, advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire and other DTF members.