Need to have more BS labs in state: Gov

Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi, Tuesday emphasised the need for more Bio-Safety Level (BSL) laboratories in the state besides rigorous contact tracing.

Against the backdrop of recent COVID-19 positive cases reported in the state, the governor Tuesday reviewed the preparedness of the state at a meeting with senior officials including chief secretary Temjen Toy and additional chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen.

Ravi laid emphasis on rigorous contact tracing of all those who had come in contact with the COVID-19 positive patients in the last 14 days and quarantining them either at home or institutions depending on their health symptoms. 

He said contact tracing and their management was the most crucial preventive protocol against spread of COVID-19. He insisted on improving the conditions of all the district hospitals, which were also the COVID-19 Hospitals.   

Governor praised the frontline warriors—health professionals for their dedication and selfless service to the people. He exhorted the senior officials to be in touch with them and be responsive to their legitimate needs and apprehensions.  

Ravi further urged the people of the State to continue observing safety guidelines including social distancing and not to panic, not to stigmatise the COVID-19 patients and be compassionate to them. “They are our own people who have become victims for no fault of theirs,” he said.

BSL-2 lab to be set up in Tsg; TrueNat testing in all districts

State government has decided to set up another Bio-Safety Laboratory 2 (BSL-2)-- in Tuensang district headquarter and also set up TrueNat testing facilities in all the districts.

Informing this during the daily briefing on Wednesday, state government spokesperson and minister Neiba Kronu said that the  state government through the Medical department will undertake necessary procedures to seek technical clearance from the Centre and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to setup the BSL-2 in Tuensang.