DIMAPUR, March 31 - The Nagaland Government today advised churches in the State to refrain from holding religious congregation of any kind which may see gathering of a large number of people during the lockdown period in the interest of public health and safety.
Principal Secretary (Home) Abhijit Sinha issued the advisory following reports of some churches holding services on Sundays which had seen large congregations of people. Such religious congregations are a serious threat to public health and safety, the advisory said.
In another development, the Nagaland Cabinet, in an effort to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, on Monday decided that medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, technicians and paramedics, who may be retiring but whose services may be required and are willing, would be allowed to continue for three months, subject to review according to the situation.
It allowed the Health and Family Welfare Department to fill up the existing vacancies of doctors, nurses and paramedics on a contingency basis. The department has also been authorised to engage medical personnel, as the need arises, regardless of the sanctioned cadre strength for a fixed period.
