KOHIMA, May 30 - Nagaland has entered a crucial stage in the fight against COVID-19 following detection of positive cases among the returnees, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said.
Welcoming the stranded people, Rio said many of them have undergone challenging times and difficult experiences while many have lost their jobs.
�We are entering into the most crucial stage of the global pandemic... COVID-19 has reached Nagaland as positive cases have started emerging,� Rio said in a message.
Urging all to welcome back the returnees and extend their love and concern so that sufferings and trauma of the returnees are eased to some extent, Rio said many more would be returning in the coming days and �we all need to collectively ensure that they feel welcome in all aspects�.
�We have been preparing to deal with the pandemic for the last few weeks and in spite of our limitations, we are better prepared than yesterday,� he said.
�In our common endeavour, I humbly seek the continued support and participation of all sections and as we enter the crucial juncture,� Rio said while expressing the hope that �with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders and God�s grace we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead.�
The Chief Minister appealed to every citizen to make all possible efforts in ensuring that �we do not stigmatize the disease and any person infected by it, rather we need to extend our support and concern to each patient so that we can lessen the suffering and lighten their burden�. � PTI