Find out how NE India is Dealing with the Coronavirus Crisis

Guwahati, March 14, 2020:

Amid rising concerns over the pandemic Coronavirus crisis that has claimed at least 5,605 lives across the world, fears of an outbreak in the Northeast Indian region has now

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Across the Northeast, the fear of being afflicted by the deadly virus has driven up the sales of hand sanitizers and protective masks -- used by the people to safeguard themselves from the disease. In the capitals of the Northeast Indian states, especially, measures are especially stringent in regards to contain an outbreak of pandemic. While in Sikkim, the COVID-19 has completely crippled the Tourism sector, in Assam, the rising prices of masks has left the local populace in absolute dismay. Locals from the capital cities in the NE states report how the COVID-19 has affected their everyday lives.

Dispur:

In Assam, the people of the State had their closest brush with the COVID-19 when an American tourist, Hewitt, passed through, After it was reported that the American, who had stayed at the Hotel Radisson Blu in the metropolitan hub, Guwahati, widespread panic spread to every corner, prompting people to stock up on masks and other anti-coronavirus supplies. Earlier today, 22 tourists who were quarantined aboard the MV Mahabahu on which Hewitt had travelled, were finally released in Jorhat. Meanwhile, the State Government has issued directives to tourists and closed

Shillong:

Locals have said that the everything is "cool" in Shillong despite rampant fears over the cornovirus. "Everything is cool here; everything is just normal but there are many fake rumors going on. There are rumours like the virus can be spread while traveling in cabs", says Joyharvard Marak, a Shillong local, while talking to Inside Northeast.

Kohima:

"Yes, everyone is aware of the corona virus, people are taking precautions eg. Wearing masks, using hand sanitisers. We had our Naga wrestling championship 2020 where thousands of spectators witnessed, St. Joseph's College had their 7th SpringFest 2020, so life is good at the moment with good weather", says Neitho Khamo, a resident of Kohima.

In Dimapur, Nagaland's only commercial hub, the demand for hand sanitizers seems to have skyrocketed to such an extent that stores ran out. "People are definitely taking precaustions; sanitizers, masks.. infact, you know what..Dimapur market ran out of sanitizers! Now its back in stock from yesterday", says Mete Jamir, a Dimapur local.

Gangtok:

Gangtok has been hit hard by the COVID-19 because the tourism sector has been hit hard by the virus. Sikkim's tourism industry in the state has been banned for tourists entry and recently, the local administrations at Lachen and Lachung — two favourite destinations in North Sikkim district — have barred entry of tourists and labourers from outside the state in view of the threat posed by the coronavirus.

Imphal:

Our source in Imphal, weighing in on the matter, said, "Somewhat calmer than I anticipated unlike the swine flu. But a police officer was suspended for giving.false announcement of finding positive case in Imphal. But I hear medical supplies are getting sold out quickly and the N95 mask is out of stock in most medical store..The government has also imposed a special permit for household ceremonial gatherings such as wedding. There has been constant street announcement through loud speakers to limit social gatherings and avoid large festivals"

Aizawl:

"There is no suspect, but our government is alert and closed the international boundary. Medical team has duty in our neighborhood's state boundary..", said a source in Aizawl.

Agartala:

In Agartala, a local scribe, Mrinal Banik, said, "Everything is normal here; but due to the corona fear, no political party is able to campaign in the hills...", referring to the TTADC polls in the State.

Itanagar:

Ami Nathung, a local Itanagar, said that people in the frontier state are not too worried about the virus, and people are not taking any special precautions to deal with the coronavirus crisis. "I have no idea but outsiders are banned from entering Arunachal Pradesh. But people are not so worried about the coronavirus crisis."

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