Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio remarked that Dimapur town is doing well so far and encouraged them to continue to work not only for Dimapur but for the whole State. He was addressing the Dimapur district administration, Police, medical department and members of the special Committee Dimapur in the presence of Minister Health and Family Welfare, Pangyu Phom, his other colleagues and advisors and other officials including the Chief Secretary Nagaland and Secretary Health and Family Welfare in the conference Hall of Commissioner Police Dimapur on 28th April 2020, after his visit to Dimapur District Hospital.

Rio acknowledged and expressed his appreciation to the citizens of Dimapur, the district administration, Police, Medical, Members of the special committee, NGOs, Churches, various departments, and all the people involved for working so hard thus far in containing COVID 19.

We need to educate the public and follow the guidelines of social distancing, Rio maintained. Rio said that although Nagaland does not have many factories and industries, yet the shops and construction works need to be regulated for economic activities. Further, while mentioning that besides COVID, the monsoon was also fast approaching and felt that roads and other works need to be activated. 

Rio also said that agricultural activities have to continue including the lifting of machinery, sowing, harvesting as per the directive from the Central Government. While reminding that 70% of Naga population comprises of farmers Rio said,” When farmers do not sow there will be no harvest.” 

Chief Minister also noted that all construction activity materials are transported to Nagaland from other States and from Dimapur these materials and essential commodities including skilled and unskilled workers come via Dimapur. In this regard, Rio advised the administration, police leaders, for formulating policy to function best for the convenience and betterment of all.

Rio also expressed gratefulness and satisfaction with the marked improvement of Dimapur COVID 19 hospital as compared to the status during his last visit on 3rd April 2020. A lot of good things have happened Rio observed. Quoting WHO that the virus would stay for a long time, Rio said”Our preparedness should be ready for today if not tomorrow.” 

Chief Secretary Nagaland, Temjen Toy observed that isolation beds need to be increased stating that more people would be admitted in the isolation wards than COVID hospital.

He explained that COVID suspects would first be kept in the isolation wards and only after the patient test for COVID positive will be taken in the COVID 19 hospital. He also acknowledged the performance and arrangements of Dimapur district in containing the virus so far and said that the support of NGOs and civil societies was needed at all fronts. Toys, however, reminded the district administration that under no circumstances can they substitute the Government.

Rio dedicated 10 ambulances procured by State Govt. to Covid-19 Hospital Dimapur

DC Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi, CP Dimapur Rothihu Tetseo and Special Committee Convenor also APC and Commissioner Secretary Agriculture, Kikheto also apprised the Chief Minister and his entourage about the arrangements preventive measure enforced in Dimapur city for containing the pandemic.

Rio also lauded the Ministers and Advisors for their support and cooperation in the fight against Coronavirus and expected that they would continue to play their role.  Chief Minister also expressed special appreciation to the Minister H& FW, Pangyu Phom for his full involvement working day and night, visiting several districts and bringing out orders for containing the pandemic.