Nagaland ranks 1st in COVID-19 death rate among NE states

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Minister for PWD (Mechanical and Housing) Tongpang Ozukum today said Nagaland ranks highest in Covid death rate and second-lowest in testing and vaccination among the northeastern states.

Ozukum, who is also the minister in charge for Kohima district, said late hospitalisation and self-treatment at home is one of the factors for the rising mortality rate.

He was speaking at a sensitisation programme on Covid testing and vaccination, organised by the Kohima District Task Force, at Kohima Village Council hall in Kohima.

He appealed to the villagers to come forward honestly for testing and treatment if symptoms appear so that transmission of the disease can be curbed at the initial stage.

"If we are safe, we can save our family and the community. We must not fall victim to rumours and hearsay about the vaccine and maintain the SOPs religiously at all times as directed by the government," Ozukum stressed.

He thanked the North Angami Public Organisation for its decision to cooperate with the government and district administration in the fight against the pandemic.

The minister hoped that with the continued support of the frontal apex organisations under Kohima district, the district administration will be more prepared for the possible third wave because the government cannot fight this pandemic alone.

ALSO READ: Nagaland to ‘punish’ Govt employees found without COVID-19 vaccine certificate

"This is the time for Kohima to lead by example. And as the intellectual hub and the district belonging to the most progressive people amongst the Nagas, we must show the way forward to others, be it in vaccination and maintaining government rules regarding Covid-19," he added.

Adviser to Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, in address, asked the gathering to contemplate on how diligently they have been following the covid appropriate behaviour. He stressed on the importance of proper wearing of masks and maintaining hand hygiene and social distancing.

Kire urged the villagers to come out of the fear of stigmatization on hiding the self-test report but to disclose it for early treatment and safety of the people. He called upon them to come forward as responsible citizen and get tested and vaccinated to keep the community safe from this pandemic.

Adviser to Technical Education and Election Medo Yhokha requested the village leaders and apex organizations and others to support the government in implementing the Covid protocols in their respective areas to protect the community.

Kohima chief medical officer Dr. Vezokholu Theyo said Kohima district’s vaccination status as on July 18 stood at 49.32 percent with 1,05,706 people receiving the second dose and 88532 the first dose.

Nagaland COVID-19 Update:

Nagaland reported two more Covid deaths and 62 new cases on Monday. A total of 61 people recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours.

The Health and Family Welfare Department said of the 62 fresh cases, Dimapur recorded 9, Kohima 22, Longleng 17, Mokokchung 6, Mon 3, Tuensang 3 and Wokha 2.

Among the 61 recoveries, Dimapur registered 21, Kohima 12, Longleng 4, Mokokchung 6, Mon 3, Peren 2, Tuensang 6, and Wokha 7.

With today’s new positive cases, the State’s total caseload has gone up to 26,744 and the active cases to 1,147. A total of 516 people have succumbed to the infection so far while 24,321 patients have recovered. Altogether 746 people migrated from the State.

Follow us on Facebook