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�Timely info management key to Covid risk mitigation�

By Staff Reporter - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

GUWAHATI, Oct 7 - Timely information management is at the core of awareness initiatives to mitigate Covid risk in the North East, experts opined at a webinar �Covid Information Management and Public Awareness� organised by the Press Information Bureau Guwahati here today.

Experts from media fraternity and government sector along with academicians deliberated on and discussed the potential way to tackle the Covid situation from the behavioural and policy perspective.

Dr Leena Borah from Cotton University said information management is at the core of awareness about Covid. She said creativity in awareness is the essence of information management at this critical juncture for COVID management and risk mitigation.

Dr Borah urged the student community who took part in good numbers, to act as ambassadors of change and be catalysts of information dissemination for bringing awareness about the precautions to address Covid and related issues.

She emphasised the importance of yoga and breathing exercises to mitigate the Covid risk. She added that leading a disciplined life is the best way to address the issues.

Dr Lopamudra Datta, Principal, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata said that health, hygiene and cleanliness for the mantra to address Covid-19 issues. She said in this Covid scenario, social distancing is a quintessential aspect and has to become a habit for all. She said that elderly persons, particularly the senior citizens have to be extra cautious and should have a healthy balanced diet. She said each individual has to develop a healthy daily routine to avoid any health issues which could aggravate if anyone gets affected with Covid-19.

Mentioning the initiatives of the Central government for information awareness, Dr Irene Lalruatkimi from the Department of Mass Communication, Mizoram University, Aizawl said that information communication has to be dovetailed with the local environment.

She said that awareness through posters and public display at strategic places such as railway stations, markets, eateries, shops, retail markets and bus stops could help in generating awareness and mitigating the Covid risk. Dr Lalruatkimi said that attitudinal changes and maintaining a positive mentality could help an individual address the stress and psychological issues in this scenario.

Sanyuk Banerjee, advocate, said that fake news is emerging as an issue for which it has to be tackled proactively so that correct information goes to citizens. He said that information communication gap and lack of awareness are the common problems when it comes to Covid and related issues. He further said that the need of the hour is to emphasise behavioural changes along with precautions such as proper utilisation of masks, social distancing and washing of hands regularly.

LR Sailo, Regional Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl said that Mizoram did not have a single case of COVID fatality. He said social media is popular among the young populace of the region and plays a pivotal role in awareness. He spoke about success stories as to how Mizoram has been successful in mitigating the Covid risk.

The interactive webinar saw participation by students, academicians and media fraternity of Assam and the North East. Senior officers of PIB from the North East Zone were also present.