Second wave ‘more aggressive’; Nagaland Health department cautions

April 29, 2021 46 Views No Comment

Carelessness of citizens, steep rise of returnees causing rise in cases

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 29

As per the data provided by the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), people aged between 30-40 years are the most affected by the COVID-19 with 248 cases from January till April 18. There have been a total of 13 deaths in the current year.

According to the general observation of the data, it was believed that due to the vaccination, there has been less mortality rate among those people belonging to 80 years and above.

During a press conference at the directorate’s conference hall, Principal Director, Dr Kevichusa Medikhru said the second wave of COVID-19 virus is ‘much more aggressive’ than the previous year.’

Besides the usual flu-like symptoms, new symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, nerve problem, conjunctivitis like infection etc are being observed in the new wave of COVID-19, said Dr Medikhru.

While expressing concern on the increase of positive cases day by day, he attributed the ‘careless behaviour’ of the people in following COVID-19 appropriate behaviours. Citing the rise of cases in Dimapur district, Dr Medikhru remarked “Dimapur has the highest rise in case but our people are being careless about COVID-19 appropriate behaviours and they still behave as if nothing is happening.”

One of the main causes of steep rise in cases is the people coming back to the State, he stated, adding that discussion was held in the Cabinet meeting on how Dimapur should have a separate protocol and how the other districts should take precautionary measures from people coming to the State.

Samples dispatched for genome sequencing
When enquired if any new variants of COVID-19 have been detected among the surge of positive cases, he informed that samples have been packed and dispatched for genome sequencing on April 26 and the results are awaited.

Nodal Officer of IDSP, Dr Nyanthung Kikon added that there are only ten centers in the whole country where genome sequencing is done and for the Northeast, the center is at Kolkata.

“Due to the increase in the number of cases, we are supposed to do 5% of all the cases for whole genome sequencing” informed Dr Kikon and added that results for genome sequencing do not come within 24 or 36 hours as is the case for testing.

“Genome sequencing takes time and we are looking at two to three weeks time for the results,” he informed.

On department’s preparedness
While the State government through its spokesperson had expressed confidence on its preparedness to tackle the second wave of COVID-19, the Principal Director added that “with the cooperation and active involvement of the community, our State should not have a problem.”

He also maintained that more resources are being spent on ‘crowd controlling’ and expressed that if people can follow the COVID-19 appropriate behaviours at all time, it will greatly ease the burden of all involved.

Dr Medikhru also informed that the State is supposed to have 11 oxygen plants with three from the Prime Minister Care fund where materials will start arriving by next week for Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung district.

For the oxygen plants in other districts, he said it has requested the UNICEF and UNDP to send it to the State before May 15.

“Once the sites are ready and we install these equipments, hopefully, we will not have much problem with the oxygen especially in the district hospitals,” said Dr Medikhru.

It was also informed that WHO has offered to assist the department in setting up makeshift hospitals, to which the department has put forth the necessity to set up the same in the State.

While random testing has started in Dimapur, Dr Medikhru said that other districts particularly the CMOs and MS have been asked to increase testing in their districts. Few months back, he said testing has been carried out only ‘on demands’ however, he implied on the need to increase random testing across the State.

Free vaccine for 18 years and above
Reiterating the government’s decision to provide free vaccine for people aged 18 years and above, it was informed that two doses for one person comes at a price of Rs 810 excluding the transportation charge, which the State has to purchase.

Appreciating the government’s decision to provide free vaccine to its citizens, he encouraged all to come forward and avail the vaccine.

On the availability of vaccines in the state, SIO Dr Ritu Thurr informed that vaccine will arrive every fortnight depending on the utility.

Till today, he said 58% health workers and 68% frontline workers have been vaccinated in the State. Vaccine wastage in the State stands at 5.6% as against the national average of 6%.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/second-wave-more-aggressive-nagaland-health-department-cautions