Nagaland government issues revised SOPs for returnees, travellers

Dimapur, April 9 (EMN): In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, the government of Nagaland has issued revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the returnees and other travellers who enter the state, including mandatory quarantine for those without negative test report of the virus.

There won’t be any restriction on the entry of returnees and travellers into the state either by flight, train, or road at any entry point except the normal Inner Line Permit (ILP) restriction or others temporary orders imposed the authorities but they have to follow the revised SOPs, informed an update received on Friday.

Returnees and travellers with negative reports of Covid-19 test done through RT-PCR/TrueNat/CBNAAT not earlier than three days prior to arrival in Nagaland will be exempted from quarantine but those without test report should undergo quarantine for 10 days either at home or paid quarantine in the designated hotel or lodge.

Persons undergoing quarantine should follow the SOPs including wearing of mask, hand washing and social distancing as well as self-monitor their health and update the status in nCOVID Nagaland Visitors App twice a day. In case of any symptom development, they should contact the respective District Health Helpline or State Helpline: 1800 345 0019.

The quarantining provisions apply to government servants entering the state on official tours, after tour, or returning after availing leave, it informed.

Apps installation and self-declaration

It is mandatory for returnees and inbound travellers to install register on the nCOVID Nagaland Visitors App and Aarogya Setu before entering the state. They should submit “self declaration” or “undertaking home quarantine” forms for those opting for the provision on either nCOVID Nagaland Visitors App, online (covid19.nagaland.gov.in), WhatsApp to respective district helpline number, or in hard copy (can be downloaded on state’s Covid website) to at the office of respective Chief Medical Officer.

The SOP has also advised submission of self-declaration and home quarantine undertaking prior to arrival.

Test for Covid-19

Travellers with symptoms on arrival should mandatorily report to the concerned district health authority or contact district helpline number and get tested immediately. Those who develop symptoms during quarantine also should be tested immediately.

Asymptomatic persons who need release from quarantine prematurely due to emergency work can request district health authority for testing (chargeable according to the rates fixed by government), after which can be released if report is negative.

Covid-19 tests will be chargeable for the following categories:

• All individuals undertaking travel to countries/Indian states mandating a negative Covid-19 test at point of entry.
• All individuals who wish to get themselves tested, subject to caseload and capacity of the testing centres.
• Patient for undergoing non-Covid treatment in the hospital.
• Testing rate to be fixed by the government.
• It applies to government servant as well; they can claim reimbursement from their respective departments in case the travel is for official purpose.
• Testing strategy will be revised from time to time as per revisions issued by ICMR or state.

Release from quarantine, exemptions

Those who remain asymptomatic throughout the 10 days of quarantine period can be released without testing after the medical team issues a “Release Certificate” with a copy to the District Task Force.

No quarantine and advance testing are required for those entering the state if the duration of stay is less 48 hours. However, they should install and register on Aarogya Setu in advance and follow all the precautionary protocols, including staying in a single room accommodation with attached bathroom for overnight stay. Such persons also should apply at least a day prior to entry to the state via online, email or WhatsApp to the DTF of the destination district, who will in turn clear after checking all the criteria including ILP.

Any person who goes out of the state by road in self-arranged conveyance and returns within 24 hours without night halt, and asymptomatic on arrival at the point of entry, will be exempted from quarantine. However, they should obtain movement permit from the concerned DTF before commencing the journey.

Any person, including the truckers and attendants of any goods vehicle, transiting the state without halting anywhere is exempted from quarantine, said the revised SOP, adding that truckers and attendants of any goods vehicle bound for Nagaland will also be not required to quarantine but they should stay in single room accommodation with attached washroom in case of making night halt in the state.

Entry of dignitaries, senior officials

Constitutional authorities, council of ministers, dignitaries specified by the Home department and senior government officials will be continued to be facilitated in the state without quarantine provided they register on Aarogya Setu, apply in advance, and with produce Covid-negative test report for stay of more than 48 hours.

They will have to pay for Covid-19 tests, wherever applicable, like the returnees and the expenses will be borne by their respective departments.

For army personnel, respective military or para military units will make their own arrangements for their personnel entering Nagaland, including transportation and 10 days of quarantine. They can contact DTF for assistance if personnel show symptom on arrival or during quarantine.

Implementation of the SOP

The revised SOPs “will be uniformly implemented throughout the State without any deviation and will not be modified by District Task Force, urban local bodies, village authorities or community-based organisations,” read the order.

It added that violators of the SOPs “will be penalised as per the relevant section of the Disaster Management Act 2005, and the Nagaland Epidemic Disease (Covid-19) Regulations 2020”.