Social distancing is 'a must' to dodge transmission among inmates: Nemcha
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, June 27 2020: Considering the safety of returnees inside Institutional Quarantine Centres (IQC), Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen chaired a review meeting today, deliberating on evading transmission amongst the inmates at various IQCs in the district.

The meeting, chaired by Minister Nemcha Kipgen, was attended by DM/DC Kangpokpi, Somorjit Salam, Vice Chairman, ADC Sadar Hills, Thangjakam Misao, ADM/ADC Kangpokpi Lalramsang Infimate, AC to DC Kangpokpi, Kaigoulal Kipgen, CMO Kangpokpi, Dr Nilakanta Singh, Addl SP (Ops) Kangpokpi, Lalminlen Misao, SDOs, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital and MOs, DSO and RRT officials, PHED, MSPDCL, PWD and other DLOs.

The topic on how transmission among the inmates at various IQCs can be avoided was profoundly deliberated during the meeting, along with other issues, and the officials put suggestions to find the best solution(s) .

Nemcha Kipgen asserted that among many other ways and means, strictly maintaining social distancing at the IQCs on the part of the inmates will serve as a key factor in avoiding transmission amongst them.

She also pointed out that there are few laudable inmates in some centres who are exemplary for many others, by following the strict IQCs protocol despite of many grievances, which helped in avoiding transmission amongst them while also helping the Government and frontline workers.

"We are really proud of such educated inmates who not only understand the situation but also know their responsibility and duty inside the Institutional Quarantine Centres", said the Minister and exhorted others to copy and follow the mindset of the commendable inmates in the larger interest of all.

The Minister also said that the quarantine period can extend beyond a month if the inmates defy the IQCs guidelines and protocol, thereby compelling transmission between the inmates while adding that the Government has already decided to take action against those inmates defying the IQCs protocols.

She further said that male and female returnees from now on shall be put at separate IQCs, stating that there are lots of problems when both male and female are lodged together in the same quarantine centres even if they are in separate rooms.

Meanwhile, the meeting also decided to deactivate the Institutional Quarantine Centres set up in Saikul and Saitu areas temporarily while IQCs within the district Hqrs and its adjoining area shall host the remaining returnees so as to function more efficiently and effectively.

However, EMRS Gamnom Saparmeina in Saitu shall be reserved for flight passengers and if required the IQCs at Saikul and Saitu shall also be reopened again.

It was also decided that catering for IQCs within Kangpokpi DHQs and its adjoining area shall be centralized in one particular place if required in future.

The meeting further resolved that after regulation of markets in the district Hqrs, the police shall ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed by market goers and social distancing is strictly maintained.

Minister Nemcha Kipgen also took stock of the situation with regard to IQCs, sample collection and results, etc, during the meeting.

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