42 being monitored in Nagaland for coronavirus

Altoger 42 persons arriving in Nagaland from China and or countries, affected by outbreak of vel coronavirus, are being monitored while seven of m have been kept in isolation at ir homes, state health minister Pangnyu Phom said on Saturday.

Allaying concern raised by opposition leer T R Zeliang in Assembly, minister said confirmed case of coronavirus infection has been found in Nagaland so far. "Altoger 42 persons are being monitored twice a day as per standard protocol and review meetings are held regularly," he said.

minister said a public health emergency operations centre has been operationalised since January 28 and daily monitoring reports are being dispatched to health and family welfare ministry. District surveillance units and rapid response teams are on high alert, he said.

Zeliang also urged health minister to take all preventive measures as Nagaland is "vulnerable to an outbreak of vel coronavirus". "We are easily accessible to China through Myanmar and clos and edible items are imported from neighbouring country," he said.

leer of opposition suggested screening of passengers entering state through ros via Myanmar and Manipur from China. minister, however, said screening of passengers arriving at Dimapur airport is being done regularly since January 30.

"A total of 25 isolation beds in public hospitals has been identified and kept rey for suspected cases. department has been working in close coordination with private hospitals in state," Phom said. Zeliang also said people fear that virus could be transmitted through bulk of clos being imported from China. minister, however, said virus cant be spre through packs of clos and parcels from China.