From Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: The Nagaland health and family department today expressed concern over surge in Covid-19 positive cases in the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur, recently.
In a press briefing in Kohima on the Covid-19 situation in the state, health and family department principal director Dr Vizolie Suokhrie said the number of positive cases was stable till August. However, towards the end of September and beginning of October, there has been a spike in the number of positive cases and symptomatic cases, he said.
Suokhrie also said there has been an increase in mortality rate during this period.
However, the department reasserted that there is no community transmission, even though there is community spread. It asked the public not to be confused with the two terms.
Suokhrie noted that the problem of stigmatization and discrimination is still prevalent while expressing concern over the issue.
With the beginning of the process of unlock, he said the people have become complacent and stopped following proper safety measures such as wearing of masks and maintaining of social distance.
He observed that many people are resisting and reluctant for testing for the virus. He added that they report very late about their symptoms, only at the later stage when it gets serious.
Suokhrie said reinfection is possible for those who have recovered from Covid-19 and asked the people not to be complacent. With the onset of winter, the situation will get more serious if the public become complacent, he stated.
He also expressed deep concern over big gatherings such as weddings and other festivities.
Suokhrie stressed on the importance of early testing and diagnosis. He said there is no definitive treatment and that prevention is the best weapon.
He appealed to the public to strictly follow the preventive measures of regular hand washing, physical distancing and wearing of masks.
Suokhrie also asked the public to strictly observe the various SOPs issued by the government, saying the fight against Covid-19 is a collective social responsibility.
Meanwhile, Nagaland’s Covid-19 positive tally rose to 8,824 with the detection of 98 cases on Wednesday.
Of the new case 71 are in Dimapur, 13 in Kohima, five in Mon, three each in Mokokchung and Tuensang and one each in Kiphire, Wokha and Zunheboto.
There have been 28 deaths due to the virus till date.
