COVID: Public asked not to be complacent

October 29, 2020 35 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, OCT 28 (NPN) : While strongly denying that “community transmission” of COVID-19 was taking place in Nagaland, the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW) reasserted that new cases were instead, due to local “community spread” and urged people not to be confused between the two.

Addressing media persons here on Wednesday, Principal Director (PD) DoHFW, Dr. Vizolie Z. Suokhrie said though the infection was spreading within the community yet, “we have not reached the community transmission stage.” He also said COVID-19 cases were linked to primary contacts even though there was increasing trend in COVID cases in the state. While drawing attention to social media buzz that another lockdown was imminent due to spread of COVID-19, Dr. Suokhrie clarified that the department did not want to re-impose another lockdown.

On the COVID-19 scenario in many European countries where lockdowns were re-imposed and also debate in Manipur where re-imposition of lockdown was being considered, Dr. Suokhrie said the situation was avoidable provided if every individual took social responsibility to not get infected nor transmit the virus to others. “If that responsibility is there in every individual, I think we don’t need to go for lockdown again,” he added.

Dr. Suokhrie expressed concern over the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur. He said the number of COVID-19 cases was stable till August, but the numbers spiked towards the end of September and beginning of October along with the number of symptomatic cases. He also said that mortality rate too had increased during this period.

In the post Unlock- 4, Dr. Suokhrie expressed concern over people’s complacent attitude when they stopped wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing. He said non-adherence to safety precautions indicated as the main factor for rise of new COVID-19 cases in the State. The PD also disclosed that many people were reluctant to or resist COVID tests, even after they report late about symptoms when their condition turn serious. He also warned those who recovered from COVID-19 not to be complacent since they could still be re-infected with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, H&FW deputy director, Dr. Kikameren Longkumer said it was observed that people in general have become complacent while health workers have become fatigued. He warned that the State could face a serious crisis if the people became careless.

State Mission Director of National Health Mission, Dr Kevichusa Medikhru stressed on the importance of hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks to prevent transmission. He said it was a collective social responsibility in order to return to normalcy.

Nodal officer for Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Dr. Nyan Kikon remarked that after Unlock-4 Nagaland was witnessing an upsurge of COVID positivity rate which he said, was due to complacency and a lackadaisical attitude. Dr. Nyan said it was observed that there has been a gradual shift of cases from youth to vulnerable groups and suggested that young people take more responsibility in preventing transmission of the virus by strictly following COVID protocols and SOPs.

‘State not prepared to host any festival’

Meanwhile, Dr. Suokhrie revealed that Nagaland was not prepared to host any festival. Responding to a query on whether it was advisable to host Hornbill Festival this year, he said virtual festival could be encouraged but that there should not be a normal mega festival organised during the pandemic.

He stressed on more social responsibility by following COVID SOPs to prevent further transmission, especially in the backdrop of the approaching festive and wedding seasons.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/covid-public-asked-not-to-be-complacent/223792.html