DIMAPUR, March 21 - The Nagaland Government today urged the people of the State to stay indoors during the Janata Curfew on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, had announced the Janata Curfew from 7 am to 9 pm.
The State Government clarified that the Janata Curfew would not be enforced, but should be voluntary observed to prevent the spread of the virus. It appealed to the people of the State to support the call made by the Prime Minister.
On Friday, Governor RN Ravi also made an appeal to the people to observe the Janata Curfew. Ravi said the Prime Minister�s address to the nation on COVID-19 has been immensely reassuring to the people and urged all to respond to his appeal in full measure.
The Governor said that he had reviewed the overall preparedness of the State Government to combat the coronavirus. �Though no positive case has been reported in Nagaland so far, considering the nature of the outbreak, arrangements are being made and improved upon regularly,� he said.
Moreover, task forces have been constituted at the State and district levels, vigorous screening of passengers is being conducted at the entry points, isolation beds have been identified, and 24x7 helpline numbers have been made operational, Ravi said.
Stating that there was enough stock of essential commodities, he urged the people to stay calm and not to resort to panic buying or hoarding. The Governor urged the people to sincerely follow the advisories issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the State Government. He appealed to religious leaders to create awareness and disseminate information and advisories to the people at the grassroots level.
The special protection group, set up by the State Government under the chairmanship of Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, on Saturday reviewed the preparatory measures taken up to contain the spread of the virus.
Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr Vizolie Suokhrie said that ICUs and isolation wards have been set up in all district hospitals and all medical surgeons have been directed to prepare for expansion of isolation wards in their respective hospitals as and when required.
He reiterated that every person entering the State should dial the helpline numbers and self-quarantine themselves for at least 14 days.
In a notification issued today, School Education Department Principal Director Shanavas C said the students who are eligible for midday meals, would not be deprived and available foodgrains would be distributed in equal quantities among eligible students up to Class VIII. He said the school authorities may invite parents of students to come to the school and collect foodgrains.
Mon DC Thavaseelan K today banned private tuitions in the district till April 12 as a social distancing measure.
