Govt to establish BSL-2 testing laboratory in Tuensang

Dimapur, May 27: In what appears to be a conciliatory move after its monumental mismanagement led to the COVID-19 pandemic to reach Tuensang, the Government of Nagaland on Wednesday decided to establish a BSL-2 testing laboratory in Tuensang district headquarter.
State Government spokesman and Planning Minister, Neiba Kronu said the State Government through Medical Department will undertake necessary procedures for technical clearance for establishment of the laboratory from the Government of India and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
However, between taking the immediate decision today and the actual establishment of the lab in the remote district of Tuensang is likely to take a long time. The setting up of BSL-2 lab in Dimapur after all equipments needed were airlifted to Dimapur is yet to see any light after more than a month now.
Kronu also informed that the State Government has decided to set up TrueNat testing facility in all the districts of the State.
Even positive cases will be sent to districts
Informing that the Government has also decided that all the stranded citizens outside the State who return to Nagaland will be tested for COVID-19 and they will proceed to their respective districts only after the results of the tests are made available, Kronu further informed that even positive cases will be returned to their respective districts as each district has established COVID-19 hospitals.
Positive cases will be transported to respective districts following all safety procedures and norms, he said.
Results of 319 samples awaited
The Minister also informed that till date, out of a total of 1506 suspected COVID-19 samples tested, 1178 were negative and 9 positive. Results of 319 samples are awaited.
Through the Truenat testing machine so far, a total of 48 samples have been tested and 47 have come negative, while the result of 1 sample is awaited.
For any queries related to COVID-19 or other health related issues, Kronu requested all to call the Nagaland COVID Helpline number 1800- 345- 0019 of the Health & Family Welfare Department.
(Page News Service)