Won’t send returnees before obtaining test results, says Nagaland Government

Dimapur, May 27 (EMN): In the wake of public outcry over sending returnees to their respective districts even before their Covid-19 test results were announced, the government of Nagaland has decided to take corrective measures on the matter.

All the stranded citizens who return to Nagaland from other states will undergo Covid-19 test and will be allowed to proceed to their respective districts only after the test results are announced, informed an official update on Wednesday.

“Even positive cases will be returned to their respective districts as each district has established Covid-19 hospitals. Positive cases will be transported to respective districts following all safety procedures and norms,” it added.

The announcement came after it came to light that a returnee, who was taken to Tuensang on Tuesday before his sample test results were announced, was tested positive for the virus.

The principal secretary for Home department, Abhijit Sinha, also said in a separate statement that the new directive regarding inter-district transfer of returnees was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on May 27.

“The Health and Family Welfare department shall inform the status of the tests of the returnees to the Kohima and Dimapur District Task Force on time and the districts will make the travel plan accordingly,” the order read.

“There should be proper coordination between the sending and the receiving districts along with arrangements for necessary refreshments en route, if required. The project directors, DRDA of the districts falling on the way may be assigned with proper instructions for making the arrangements for the refreshments/food,” it added.

It went on to state that the plans for sending the returnees to their districts should be prepared at least one day in advance with proper intimation to the concerned officials.