Coronavirus: How the 8 Northeast Indian States are Dealing with the Outbreak

Guwahati, April 3, 2020:

With the detection of 20 cases overall, the Northeast Indian region has stepped up preparedness against the coronavirus or COVID-19. Meanwhile, with many samples of those present near New Delhi's Nizamuddin being sent for testing, the region remains on edge.

With a burgeoning number of cases in India and worldwide, here are some of the latest developments from the 8 NE Indian states as preparedness against the COVID-19.

Lockdown is being strictly enforced in Arunachal Pradesh with social distancing at places of supply of essential items. In Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Dibang Valley District police is taking steps to help migrant workers and daily wagers and regularly distributing rations. Police has registered case against a company for not taking care of migrant workers. This, a day after the detection of the first coronavirus case in Tezu.

Contact tracing of persons linked with the second coronavirus positive case is going on on war footing in Manipur. NCC cadets are manning helpline, call centers, distribution of relief materials, medicines, food, essential commodities, community assistance and traffic management in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Government of Meghalaya has mandated under the provision of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases Regulation, 2020, the resident of the State including residents who have been recommended for home isolation/quarantine by Govt. of Meghalaya should now download the Aarogya Setu App which is available in Android & iOS Platforms.

In Mizoram, 43,208 farmers have received Rs. 864 lakhs under the PM Kisan Scheme as direct cash benefit to help them tide over hardships in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. No new cases have been detected.

Nagaland CS has directed DCs to ensure safety and care for students in hostels and rented houses across the state; seeks lists of such students. At the same time, the Nagaland State H&FW team has visited Mon, Longlen and Tuensang district to oversees COVID-19 preparedness.

Dr Karma Bhutia, ophthalmologist of STNM Hospital, Gangtok has created a personal protection suit that can be used while dealing with NCOVID-19 related activities. He says, this could be handy, in case no alternative is available, for the second line workers on duty at present situation. The suit is water-resistant and is made of non-porous material.

Sikkim Government has restricted vehicular traffic through Rangpo checkpost at night from today. The new system has been introduced to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the State.

Tripura's Inter State border with Assam and Mizoram has been sealed; however, the transportation of goods is to continue after proper checking. No cases have been detected and the Jamaat attendees have tested negative till the filing of this report.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.