Cannot ask folks to skip Yaoshang fest, but to take care: Biren
CM appeals all to avoid public gatherings
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, March 05 2020:
In view of the COVID-19 epidemic which has affected many countries across the planet and is fast assuming the character of a pandemic, Chief Minister N Biren has appealed to all the people to avoid mass congregations or celebrations related to Yaoshang festival as far as possible.
Along with top officials of his Government, N Biren held a review meeting about COVID-19 in his office today.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that he could not ask people to skip Yaoshang festival this year yet he highlighted the need for taking utmost care against COVID-19.He nonetheless appealed to avoid mass congregations and celebrations during the Yaoshang festival as far as possible.
Biren said that the Government has been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and taking up all precautionary measures to counter coronavirus in the State.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people not to panic over coronavirus but take basic self-preventive measures such as washing hands regularly, using of mask, avoiding mass gatherings, covering mouth while coughing and sneezing etc.
He informed that the Government has already undertaken preventive measures in the State since January 18.Biometric attendance is temporarily suspended for one month in Government offices, he added.
Stating that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the State, Biren said that till now, a total of 1,21,629 persons have been screened at BT International Airport and various surface entry points viz; Moreh, Behiang, Sinzawl, Tusom, Kamjong, Mao, Jiribam etc.
12 samples were sent for laboratory testing.
Out of which, 10 samples were negative while reports of another 2 are still awaited, he informed.
Maintaining that around 352 persons have been kept under surveillance, he stated that all precautionary measures must be taken up as the disease's incubation period is 14 days.
Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has set up an isolation ward consisting of 8 beds with 4 ventilators for treatment of any suspected case.
In JNIMS too, an isolation ward consisting of 6 beds with 1 ventilator has been kept ready.
The Chief Minister said that a control room has started functioning 24x7 with toll free number 0385-2411668 .
Dedicated ambulance has also been kept for transportation of suspected cases.
During the press conference, officials of Health Department gave a detailed power point presentation about the update and preparedness of COVID-19 in the State.
Notably, there are around 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India.
Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary (Health) V Vumlunmang, Director (Health Services) Dr K.Rajo, Director (JNIMS) Prof Th Bhimo, officials of Health Department and JNIMS attended the press conference.