Nagaland Covid-19: Rio issues message of solidarity

‘Lockdown may even have to be extended’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 18 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday called upon the people of the state to work collectively as one — Team Nagaland – to win the battle against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

He stated in a video message released on Tuesday that the world has been affected by the coronavirus and thousands of lives have been lost. He extended his deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the bereaved members who have lost their loved ones, saying: “It is a painful period for every citizen of the country”.

Rio maintained that the state has also been hit by the second wave, wherein there’s an increase in positive cases and precious lives have succumbed to the dreaded disease.
“These are extraordinary times, we need to come together and work unitedly as one. Our state needs all of us to put all our forces together and to every possible action in order to combat the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
He assured the people of the state that the government is making all efforts to protect and care for the citizens.
He admitted that over the past decades, the healthcare infrastructure had not reached desirable standards and was lagging behind. He however stated that over the years, the state has made significant investment in improving and upgrading overall healthcare facilities as well as strengthening health-related human resources.
Rio then pointed out that it’s not a time to dwell on the past but focus on the present and be prepared for the future.
He acknowledged the government of India and all well-wishers in enabling the state to improve and meet new health facilities across the state.

176-bedded Covid hospital in Dimapur

The chief minister informed that within a week, the state will be able to complete a fully established 176-bedded Covid hospital in Dimapur and emergency care facilities for the medical fraternity. He added that the vaccination drive was also ramping up with procurement of more vaccines.
While acknowledging the efforts of all the citizens, Rio appealed to the people of all sections from churches, civil society groups, political parties and NGOs to rise to the occasion, setting aside the differences and collectively work as one team for the sake of the people.
He also extended his appreciation to every citizen of the state, all frontline workers and especially those from the medical fraternity, saying that “they have been working day and night, making significant sacrifices and taking great risks to keep us safe and healthy”.
“During this time of crisis, we need to extend all out cooperation, assistance and appreciation to them (healthcare workers) and in order to ease their burdens even by a small margin,” he stated.
Further, he maintained that the medical fraternity, both private and government, were doing commendable work and urged them not to be disheartened during the difficult period but rather continue to give their best in taking care of the citizens. “You have all our support and are remembered in our prayers,” he said.
Rio then stressed on the need to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour in everyday life, adding that lockdown was causing tremendous inconveniences but that the ‘extraordinary scenario demands it’.

Lockdown may have to be extended

The chief minister also stated that the ‘lockdown may even need to be extended, if the situation requires’ and sought the co-operation of the people to ensure that the lockdown measures are not compromised “for the sake of our own safety and health”.
He also advised the people to be extra cautious so that the disease does not spread to the rural areas, as it would result in far-reaching consequences.
Towards the end, he maintained that every citizen is a member of ‘Team Nagaland’ and has to fight the virus as one. He also expressed confidence, saying that with the ‘co-operation of all, we can overcome the situation and emerge victorious’.