DIMAPUR, March 19 - The Special Action Group on COVID-19 in Nagaland today urged faith-based organisations to play a role in disseminating information on personal hygiene and practice of health etiquettes like use of handkerchiefs and social distancing while coughing and sneezing to prevent and combat the pandemic.
The group made the appeal at an emergency meeting held with various faith-based organisations at the new Secretariat Conference Hall in Kohima. It also asked the people to contact the COVID-19 helpline for further assistance and screening.
The Nagaland Government on Tuesday constituted the nine-member Special Action Group under the chairmanship of Nagaland Principal Secretary and Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha to continuously monitor any situation arising out of novel coronavirus.
Sinha apprised the gathering that no positive cases have been detected in Nagaland and other North Eastern States so far. He said the State Government is taking all precautionary measures to control the pandemic.
He said screening of passengers at the Dimapur Railway Station and other entry points, besides the Dimapur airport, has already started. Stressing that the disease transmission chain needs to be broken, Sinha advised all organisations to minimise or avoid mass gatherings till the virus is contained.
Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr Vizolie Suokhrie said the virus spreads rapidly mainly due to poor hygiene. He called upon the organisations to inform their members to maintain good hygiene. He said anyone with cough, cold or fever needs to self-isolate himself at home and get screened at the earliest.
Suokhrie said the State Government machinery is working towards preventing the spread of the virus in the State. He urged the faith-based organisations to support and cooperate in fighting the pandemic.
The president of the Kohima Town Baptist Pastors Fellowship, Rev Kevichalie, appreciated the State Government�s positive steps towards containing the spread of the virus in the State. He said the Sunrise Service at the Kohima World War II Memorial held on Easter Sunday has been cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
