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 of Kohima district, said late hospitalization and self-treatment at home is one of the factors for the rising mortality rate. He was speaking at a sensitization 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.
“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 behavior. He stressed 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 citizens 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 organisations 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 of July 18 stood at 49.32 percent with 1,05,706 people receiving the second dose and 88532 the first dose.