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Vol XXXII No. 43
DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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Active Covid-19 cases highest in 230 days NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): With 2,38,018 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,76,18,271, which includes 8,891 cases of the Omicron variant, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The active cases have increased to 17,36,628, the highest in 230 days, while the death toll has climbed to 4,86,761 with 310 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. There has been an 8.31 per cent increase in Omicron cases since Monday, the ministry said. Experts said it is not possible to undertake genome sequencing of each a n d eve r y s a m p l e b u t stressed that the current wave is largely being driven by the Omicron variant. The active cases comprise 4.62 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has decreased to 94.09 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 80,287 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 14.43 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 14.92 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,53,94,882, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent.
Centre directs states to ramp up Covid testing
Medics conduct a non-invasive pulmonary function test (PFT) exercise of Covid patients inside a Covid Care Centre, in Delhi on Tuesday. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): Flagging a decline in the number of COVID-19 tests in many states and union territories, the Centre has asked them to enhance testing so that an effective track of the spread of the pandemic can be kept and immediate citizen-centric action can be initiated. In a letter to states and UTs on Monday, Additional Secretary in the Union Health Ministry Arti Ahuja advised them to pay attention to this aspect immediately and increase the testing in a strategic manner keeping in view the trend of case positivity in specific areas. She highlighted that Omicron, which has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of concern, is currently spreading across the country. Referring to the ministry's earlier letters and the Home Ministry advisory of
December 27 last year laying out the broad framework of pandemic management in the context of Omicron, Ahuja said testing remains a key and crucial component. “However, it is seen from the data available on the ICMR portal that testing has declined in many states and union territories,” she wrote. She said in all advisories on testing issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), including the latest on January 10, the basic objective remains early detection of cases for quick isolation and care. In addition, testing remains a key strategy for pandemic management as it helps in identification of new clusters and new hotspots of infection which can in turn facilitate immediate action for containment such as setting up of containment zones, contact tracing, quarantining, isolation and follow-up.
This can enable the state and district administrations to curb the spread of infection. Also this will ensure reduction in mortality and morbidity. “Progression of disease to a severe category can be averted by strategic testing of those who are at high risk and more vulnerable, as well as in areas where the spread is likely to be higher,” Ahuja said. Reiterating the advisory on purposive testing strategy issued by the ICMR on January 10, she said in community settings all those who are symptomatic must be tested and all atrisk contacts of laboratory confirmed cases must also be tested. This advisory needs to be read in conjunction with the earlier guidelines and advisories of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, wherein it has been recommended that strategic and focused testing should be done of people who are vulnerable, living in closed surroundings, in densely populated areas in emerging new clusters and new hotspots of positive cases, etc., Ahuja said. “In order to ensure that an effective track of the spread of the pandemic is kept and also immediate citizen-centric action is initiated, it is incumbent upon all states/UTs to enhance testing,” she said.
Pandemic ‘nowhere near over’: WHO chief
NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): The Personnel Ministry has decided to amend existing service rules to ensure the availability of a sufficient number of IAS officers for central deputation, officials said on Tuesday. The proposal which will give greater say to the Centre came as various state/joint cadres were found to be not sponsoring an adequate number of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers as part of the central deputation reserve even though the ministry had flagged the issue several times. “As a result of this, the number of officers available for central deputation is not sufficient to meet the requirement at Centre,” the Personnel Ministry said in the proposal seeking changes in the IAS (cadre) Rules, 1954. Centre has proposed that each state government shall make available for deputation to the central government (Cont’d on p-7)
Assam logs highest single day spike of 8,072 Covid cases
In the last few days, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata have crossed their second wave peaks in terms of daily cases. If authorities are to be believed, the peak of the third wave has been surpassed, as the daily cases reported a drop. Should the decreased cases in these cities – which were among the most impacted parts of the country in the last wave – mean the country’s peak has been crossed? Certainly not, experts believe. While the three biggest metros, Delhi, Mumbai
Further, 5975 beneficiaries-- health care & frontline workers and 60 plus with comorbidities received the ‘precautionary dose’. Altogether, 29754 teenagers in the age group of 15-18 year received their first dose of Covaxin.
and Kolkata, are reporting a decline in cases, Thiruvananthapuram is showing a rise. Similarly, while the daily cases in Chennai on Monday were less than those reported on Saturday, the number was significantly higher than last Monday. Bengaluru too painted a similar picture. Usually, cases reported on Monday are fewer than those reported during other days of the week. When asked if the country has surpassed the peak, epidemiologist Dr Chandrakant Lahariya,
while speaking to CNNNews18, said there would not be a traditional peak in this wave as we would witness a phased increase across the country with cases remaining at a high level for a few weeks before cases start declining. “In the current wave and at an individual level, the peak has almost no meaning. People should be aware that if there is transmission in any setting, take precautions. Peak is only for epidemiological and planning purposes. (Cont’d on p-7)
Tovihoto Ayemi and Dr. Chumben Murry with power department officials at Niropen sub-station on Tuesday.
power departments officials, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Technogrid and others involved for timely completing the work and handing it over to the people. He acknowledged that due to Covid-19 pandemic, some projects were getting a little delayed. He however pointed out that works were in progress and would be completed very shortly while urging the people to extend support and co-operation. In his address, NPF legislator Dr Chumben Murry remarked that development projects were implemented with fund that was generat-
Stating that it was an individual choice to take or not to take vaccine, RPP said that schools or colleges disallowing unvaccinated students to sit for exams/ tests would be illegal. Further, RPP claimed that it has names of the educational institutions “trying to actively implement the mandatory vaccination policy of the state government.” RPP has requested such institutions to desist from “unlawful activities.” In case its appeal fell
Fire trucks outside the fire station in Dimapur. (NP)
without having the basic safety gears while responding to emergency situations. He admitted that the problems faced were not new but got worse as they had to fight fires without
basic equipment that left them exposed to hazards of fire and sometimes poisonous fumes. Rebenthung also disclosed that the department did seem to lack required resources to
on deaf ears, RPP warned that it would file police complaints. RPP has appealed to all the unvaccinated students to appear for their offline tests/exams without fear of persecution from the school/college authorities. RPP affirmed to stand for such persecuted students till the end. RPP also requested parents of all such persecuted students to contact party’s grievances cell at 7005633696.
‘Perceptible lack of awareness’ among govt bodies, agencies about flag code, says MHA The Home ministry said the national flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of the country and hence should occupy a position of honour and there is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the flag. According to the Flag Code of India, the national flag made of paper may be waved by public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events. “You are requested to ensure that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, flags made of paper only are used by the public and such paper flags are not discarded or thrown on the
Lack of safety equipment puts firefighters at risk DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): Despite often putting their lives in the line of duty, firefighters of the Nagaland Fire Service, seem to be getting a raw deal with regard to inadequate safety gears and other equipments. This was the message which this Reporter understood in an interview with the O.C. Fire & Emergency Services department Dimapur C. Renbenthung Lotha. He revealed that emergency personnel have to battle fire and other natural elements
ed from revenue. Hence, he called on power department to ensure revenue collection through proper billing. Congratulating the power department for completing the project, he also thanked the power adviser on behalf of Lotha community for fulfilling the requirements of the people of Wokha district and the State. The 11 other projects are 33/11 KV 5 MVA at Niropen Colony, Wokha, 33/11 KV sub-station capacity augmentation from 1.6 MVA to 5 MVA at Chukit o n g , (Cont’d on p-7)
Some schools forcing students to take Covid-19 vaccine: RPP
Has the Covid 3rd wave peaked in India? Not yet, say experts
13,80,726 persons have been inoculated against Covid-19 in the State till January 18, 2022. According to Health department, 7,82,425 received their first dose while 5,98,301 got the second dose.
Staff Reporter
K Y M C
WOKHA, JAN 18 (NPN): Power adviser H Tovihoto Ayemi inaugurated 132/33 KV, 25 MVA transformer and bay equipment at 132/33 KV Wokha substation along with 11 other downstream connectivity projects under of North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) Tranche -1 on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Ayemi hoped that with the inauguration of multiple projects, the power department would be able to provide uninterrupted power to consumers, while urging the people to generously donate/provide land for development projects so that government departments could implement more such projects for public benefit. He also appealed to the people to check power theft, ensure timely payment of electricity bills and initiate awareness programmes to conserve electricity for common cause. Ayemi thanked
NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (PTI): Ahead of Republic Day, the Centre has highlighted “a perceptible lack of awareness” among government organisations, agencies and people about the laws, practices and conventions that apply to display of the national flag and asked states to ensure that the tricolour is not dishonoured. In a communication to all the states and UTs, the Home ministry said that action must be taken to ensure that only paper flags are used by the public while attending cultural and sports events and such flags are disposed of in private, consistent with its dignity.
in Zunheboto, two in Phek and one each in Mon and Mokokchung, taking the total caseload to 33,053. The death toll remained unchanged at 703 (including 16 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). Meanwhile, a total of
NEW DELHI, JAN 18 (AGENCIES): Several cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata are witnessing a drop in daily Covid cases with authorities saying that the worst of the third wave is behind us. However, experts believe that the peak is yet to come. Since late December and early January, the number of daily coronavirus cases reported has been increasing in several parts of the country. However, on Monday, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata reported fewer (Read more on p-9) cases than last week.
“Sir, my colleagues wondered whether we call off raids on opposition leaders once they join the ruling party?”
Tovihoto inaugurates 132/33KV 25 MVA transformer, 11 other projects in Wokha
DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): Rising People’s Party (RPP) Tuesday claimed that it has received “numerous complaints from desperate parents” that some schools in Dimapur and Kohima were “coercing students to take COVID-19 vaccination.” In a press release, RPP also claimed that some students were being threatened that they would not be allowed to sit for offline tests/ exams if they were not vaccinated.
GENEVA, JAN 18 (AFP): The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over, the World Health Organization chief said Tuesday, cautioning against a narrative that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is risk-free. “Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading,” Tedros said. “Make no mistake: Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities.”
This is it!
Govt proposes amendment to IAS cadre rules
SPORTS, PAGE 12
GUWAHATI, JAN 18 (PTI/AGENCIES): Assam on Tuesday reported 8,072 new Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day spike since the onset of the pandemic, pushing the tally to 6,61,789, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta said. Mahanta said 16 more fatalities due to the disease were reported on Tuesday, taking the death toll to 6,233. Meanwhile, 47 Omicron cases have been confirmed till Monday. Besides travellers from Saudi Arabia and the US, the new variant has been found in a CRPF camp in Dhemaji and in a community search in Jorhat, a source associated with the testing process told TOI.
Covid: State’s total caseload breaches 33k mark DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): With 89 fresh cases reported on Tuesday, Nagaland’s Covid-19 total caseload breached the 33000mark. Of the fresh cases, 66 were from Dimapur, 12 in Kohima, four in Peren, three
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provide the needed high standard protective clothing and equipment for the fire fighters to protect them from highly inflammable environment, high temperatures and convective and radiant thermal flux. He disclosed that because the fire fighters were not provided with such safety clothing and equipment, there were many cases of serious injuries suffered by them. Rebenthung said “Firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations that require intensive physical work in hazardous environment”.
He said that despite earnest requests to higher authorities to provide basic and high-quality protective clothing and equipment to the fire fighters, nothing concrete has been done. The OC Fire Station implied that instead of the safety and welfare of the personnel facing dangers while battling fires, the onus appeared to be elsewhere. He also made a strong point against the lack of concern among colony residents for having normal roads within their colonies.
ground after the event. Such flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the flag,” the communication said. The home ministry also asked the states and union territories to undertake mass awareness programme in this regard and also to give it wide publicity through advertisements in the electronic and print media. The copy of ‘The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’ and ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’, as amended in 2021, which governs display of National Flag, are available on this ministry’s website, it said.
Power disconnection drive in Zbto from Jan 24
DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (NPN): State power department has informed all consumers under Zunheboto electrical division that disconnection drive within its jurisdiction would be carried out with effect from January 24, 2022. In a press release, the executive engineer electrical division Zunheboto Er. Shilu Lkr informed that department would disconnect power supply to defaulters of all categories, who have not paid electricity bills, without further notice and also all illegal consumers. The department has, therefore, requested all the consumers to pay their bills in order to avoid inconvenience. In case of any discrepancy in the bill, the consumer could (Cont’d on p-7) rectify from the office of respective SDO(E). K Y M C