Coronavirus
Representative photo.

The Mizoram government will launch gram sabhas or campaign to aware people to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has killed more than 1,700 people in China.

An official said on Monday that the awareness campaign would be launched in all villages along the inter-state and international borders within this month.

The decision was taken following the instruction of state level task force on mitigation of coronavirus, he said.

Mizoram shares about 810 km international border with Bangladesh and Myanmar and also inter-state border with Assam, Tripura and Manipur.

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Mamit district deputy commissioner Dr Lalrozama, who headed Mamit district level task force on coronavirus, convened a meeting with officials on Monday to discuss the upcoming awareness programme in the district.

The meeting directed Mamit district local administration officer to summon gram sabha in all border villages within Mamit district to spread awareness about the deadly disease and its prevention.

The meeting also suggested chief medical officer at the district hospital to prepare all necessary medical pamphlets and other requirements, which will be distributed to villagers during the campaign.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to begin screening of passengers along the Mizoram-Tripura border commencing from Wednesday.

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Official sources said that screening counter will be set up at police check post at Kanhmun village on the Mizoram-Tripura border.

A medial team would be deployed from Wednesday, he said.

He said that the district administration has also sought help from civil society groups to assist in screening of passengers coming from outside.

The government also created five-bedded isolation ward at Mamit district hospital to treat any infected patients.

Screening counters have been already set up at Lengpui airport, Vairengte near Assam border, Kawrpuichhuah on Indo-Bangladesh border and Zokhawthar village on the Mizoram-Myanmar border in early February.

According to health department, no case of coronavirus has been detected in the state till date.

It said that blood samples have been sent to Kolkata and results are yet to be known.