March 28, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 111

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

SC hearings via video-conference

Arteta opens up on COVID-19 recovery

World losing COVID-19 war: UN chief

NATIONAL, PAGE 7

SPORTS, PAGE 11

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

India prepares for Stage 3 of COVID-19 $07*%

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NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (AGENCIES): India has begun preparing for Stage-3 of following recthe outbreak

ommendation from mem bers of the COVID-19 task force, even as Indian Coun cil of Medical Research

(ICMR) continues to main tain that there is no evidence

of community transmission

in the country yet.

The preparations have

already begun in Delhi,

where the government has started scaling up its health

COVID-19: CM

releases Rs.17.5 crore to VDBs

DIMAPUR, MAR 27 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday informed that the state government released Rs.17.5 crore to Village Development Board (VDB) to combat COVID-19.

Rio in his tweet said: “To meet the immediate needs of the rural people in #Nagaland and in an effort to combat #COVID2019, 50% of state funded grantsin-aid to VDB amounting to Rs. 17.5 Cr has being released to set-up quarantine homes and for procurement of basic necessities. #LetsFightCorona #COVID.�

Appeals for donation: In another tweet, Rio appealed to the citizens to donate to the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) for COVID-19. “I appeal to each one of you to donate to the CMRF. Your donation will support immediate and long-term relief and recovery in vulnerable communities in these challenging times we are collectively facing.�

For any donation Rio said one can transfer it to CHIEF MINISTER RELIEF FUND, SBI Kohima A/c no. 10530527879, IFSC: SBIN0000214 and PAN card no. Chief Minister Relief Fund: AAAGC2036D.

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infrastructure to handle the evolving situation. “I have received the report from our panel of doctors recommend ing measures to prepare for a potential Stage 3 outbreak of

COVID-19 in Delhi. We are ramping up our capacity for an eventuality of 1,000 daily positive cases, for testing, treatment and isolation,�

Kejriwal said during a press briefing on Friday.

A senior scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the

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CU QP CV 2/ GZEGRV +PFKC nodal body framing the country’s policy for coronavirus testing, has said India has delayed community transmission CU QP CV 2/ of the virus and the 21-day nationwide lockdown is likely to help in a major way.

Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, however, said that if lockdown rules are not followed diligently, there could be trouble. According to the government, currently India is largely reporting cases either having a travel history

to the virus hit countries or contact history with an infected person.

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India still remains at Stage 2 (local transmission) and is yet to enter Stage-3 of the disease cycle.

“We started implemen tation of strategies way ear ly, while few other countries started late. We do not have community transmission yet,� said Dr Raman R Gan gakedkar, Head of Epidemi ology and Communicable Disease at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, the apex body for biomedical research in India. India also looks to expand its testing capacity over the next few days, as more private laboratories come on board. Private hospitals, too have begun gearing up to help when there is likely surge in infected cases by creating adequate number of isolation wards.

India has so far recorded 804 cases and the numbers continue to surge. On Friday, as many as 101 new cases were found positive.

At least 17 have succumbed to the disease and 67 have recovered.

State govt to bear treatment Stranded train costs of COVID-19 patients passengers Correspondent

KO H I M A , M A R 2 7 (NPN): The State government will bear the entire costs for sample tests and treatment for COVID-19.

This was confirmed by State nodal officer for COVID-19, Dr Nyan Kikon on Friday.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, the State nodal officer also admitted shortage of personal protective equipments (PPEs) and emergency stuff and explained that non-uniformity of lockdown in the country had delayed transportation of the equipments from the manufacturers’ end.

He however said the consignments were expected to reach Nagaland in a day or two and, on arrival, these would be dispatch to all the districts.

To a quer y, Kikon said an amount of Rs 1,15,68,000 was sanctioned till Thursday noon for all

district hospitals and chief medical officers for training purposes, operational costs, etc, by the health & family welfare (H&FW) department.

On reports of discrimination being meted out against some health workers by neighbours and citizens, Kikon said such incidents should never happen, stressing one should not discriminate, ostracise or discriminate the health workers who were working for the citizens by putting their lives to great risk.

M e a n w h i l e, t h e H&FW de par tment is working overtime to convert the designated district hospitals into COVID-19 hospitals and making various arrangements to ramp up their infrastructure and provide other amenities.

The State government had declared COVID-19 hospitals in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung.

lodged in Dmu

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 27 (NPN): At least 50 train passengers, who have been left stranded here, have been lodged at Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel and Youth Hostel, Dimapur.

Among those stranded include infants, young and elderly people, Talking to Nagaland Post, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Kinchi said the stranded passengers were travelling on Avadh Assam Express and had arrived Dimapur railway station on March 24. He said the district administration and NGOs were providing food to them, while medical assistance was being provided by the medical team, which was continuously monitoring them.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Centre sanctions `176.52 cr relief from NDRF to Nagaland

Nagaland: 13 test negative, 4 DoNER, NEC to give reports awaited `25 crore to NE to

Correspondent

KO H I M A , M A R 2 7 (NPN): Nagaland has not reported any COVID-19 positive up to 5 p.m. as on March 27 as out of the 17 samples collected and sent for tests, 13 were negative, while reports of four samples were awaited.

This was stated by government spokespersons and minister Neiba Kronu in a briefing on COVID-19.

He said 2,719 individuals, including students, had self-reported to their respective district surveillance units and were under home quarantine, while four were under facility quarantine.

Kronu infor med that the Health & Family Welfare minister Pangnyu Phom held a video conferencing with chief medical officers and medical superintendents of all districts on Friday to review the preparedness against COVID-19 pandemic in the State. (Cont’d on p-8)

combat COVID-19

Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (NPN): Centre on Friday released Rs. 176.52 crore to Nagaland towards relief necessitated by natural calamity (flood, landslide of 2019). Altogether Rs.4421.92 crore was sanctioned to seven state governments, including Nagaland from the National Disaster Relief Fund for the period 2019-20.

The eight states which will get the financial assistance are: Kerala, Maharashtra, Bihar, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka.

A high-level committee headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved the additional central assistance subject to the adjustment of 50 per cent of balances available in the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) account as on April 1 of the financial year.

DoNER, NEC to give Rs. 25 cr to NE states: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council (NEC) has decided to contribute Rs 25 crore additional fund to combat the coronavirus in the North Eastern region, Union DoNER minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed on Friday.

Informing this during a video conference with DoNER and NEC officials, Dr. Singh said Rs 25 crore will be made available by the ministry in addition to already allocated funds and this amount can be utilised for activities to combat the COVID-19 threat as well as gap funding required in the wake of the current situation.

Singh also said that the central government has decided to arrange dedicated chartered flights to the region and other hilly regions for transportation of essential items during the 21-day lockdown.

The minister said precise areas of spending will be determined as per the requirement in consultation

with the state governments as well as other stakeholders.

While the Ministry of DoNER primarily deals with the development projects in the Northeast, Singh said, it is also responsible for coordinating with other ministries and departments and at the same time seeking the welfare of all sections of people living in the region.

If required, further assistance whatever feasible will also be made, he added.

It may be mentioned that the Centre had invoked the National Disaster Management Act – meant to handle disasters natural or man-made–for the first time in the country, bringing states under the Centre’s control regarding the battle against the highly contagious coronavirus.

Health is usually under the control of the states.

Calling coronavir us a “threat� to the country, the home ministry in its order said the National Disaster Management Authority has “considered it necessary to take effective measures�.

District COVID-19 hospital receives ventilators Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 27 (NPN): District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) has been converted into a 100 -bedded COVID-19 hospital equipped with ventilators recently received from the government and one Intensive Care Unit(ICU).

Dr. Kheshito Zhimomi, Medical Superintendent (MS) of the DHD provided the information to this reporter and also disclosed that more ventilators will be arriving soon and will be installed.

Dr. Kheshito said despite limited resources and infrastructure the medical team of doctors and nurses of the hospital, backed by the government, the H&FW department and NGOs are working round the clock to fight against spread of Coronavirus. Dr Kheshito said it was imperative that the fight against Coronavirus was unified effort of all in order

to prevent the outbreak of the disease in Dimapur. He also lamented on the negative attitude among some who were only interested in finding petty faults instead of responding to such crisis as responsible citizens by encouraging others.

The MS also informed citizens that those suffering from other ailments other than similar symptoms of coronavirus may visit Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHC) at Burma Camp and Duncan Basti and other government health centres which are fully functional.

He said this was to reserve DHD for coronavirus related cases only.

The MS also reminded public to strictly follow all advisories from health authorities without compromise in order to be safe from the virus.

Another doctor who also spoke to this reporter, opined that there ought to be total shutdown of shops

since large number of people shopped besides total ban on movement of people on the streets, if the threat from coronavirus is to be defeated.

Meanwhile, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has begun spraying disinfectants in and around Dimapur town. DMC administrator, Albert Ezung informed that spraying of disinfectant started on Thursday on a daily basis. The areas sanitised included ATM booths, market places, offices, police stations and other public places and will continue to cover more areas in the days to come. Ezung also urged upon public and NGOs to extend cooperation with DMC in the operation.

Ezung also informed that DMC continued to monitor prices of food commodities in the market and have penalised some traders for unfair practices by taking advantage of the prevailing situation.

H&FW admits lack of PPE

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 27 (NPN): Despite efforts made to combat the dreaded coronavirus pandemic, Health & Family Welfare department has admitted lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) for health workers in the state.

Nagaland Nodal officer for COVID-19, Dr. Nyan Kikon, told Nagaland Post that the main worry for now was that the department did not have sufficient PPE. He said the state government had ordered the PPE, but due to the lockdown of cities, the consignment had not reached. Dr.Kikon said first consignment containing mask and hand sanitizers had been sent to the hospitals, adding that the second consignment would arrive anytime.

Panic buying: Vendors, shoppers at risk of infection? Docs should remain at their posting places: Jacob Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 27 (NPN): As panic buying continues in the State’s commercial hub with shoppers and vendors not taking sufficient precautionary measures, the possibility of grocery stores and market areas becoming centres for COVID-19 outbreak cannot be ruled out.

Assurance from authorities that sufficient food stocks were available have not stopped anxious residents from resorting to panic buying and hoarding as large number of consumers thronged market places across the town on Friday In departmental stores, people were seen with loaded carts and baskets, while general stores and market places selling vegetables were packed with people.

Though so far Nagaland has not recorded

A crowded market place in Dimapur on Friday. (NP)

any COVID-19 positive case, it is imperative to note that 2,719 persons are under surveillance as on Friday, and that the State has so far sent only 17 samples for testing, out of which 13 have tested negative.

Experts have said the incubation period for the virus is 2-14 days. So it is very likely that the possible future COVID-19 patients, who are infected but unaware that the virus is incubating in

their bodies, could be one of those shoppers/buyers.

When this reporter visited daily markets across the town, most vegetable vendors were seen not following the prescribed preventive measures. While most of the shoppers wore masks, many of the vegetable vendors were seen without masks.

Also, there was no provision for hand washing or hand sanitizers at these markets, and not a single

market or store and shopper or vendor was seen maintaining the recommended social distancing of at least one metre (three feet).

In such a scenario, multiple touch and grab of shopping carts, door handles, boxes, packages, etc, or even human contact cannot be ruled out since such activities are almost unavoidable.

These unregulated activities carry a certain amount of risk at a time when there is very less information of this new virus. If district administration does not step in and come out with measures to prevent overcrowding at grocery stores and market places and ensuring that customers have access to their essential needs, then there is a high possibility of vendors and shoppers becoming the silent carriers of the deadly virus.

DIMAPUR, MAR 27 (NPN): State Public Health Engineering (PHE) minister and minister in charge of Dimapur district for COVID19, Jacob Zhimomi has appealed to doctors posted in sub-divisions to be stationed at their places of posting during this crucial hour of COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing a meeting to review logistics and implementation by Dimapur district with regard to COVID-19 at DC’s conference hall Friday, Zhimomi also asked sub-divisional officers to stay in their places of posting and work in coordination with village councils so that no outsiders were hosted in their respective jurisdiction, as a preventive step in the fight against COVID 19. He also advised village council members and youth volunteers to use masks and maintain social distance.

During the meeting, which was also attended by advisers Zhaleo Rio and Tovihoto, the minister asked the medical department to put up requirements in writing through the DC so that the exact status would be clear. He also advised legal metrology department and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to tie up and monitor the issue of price hike of essential commodities for the welfare of public. He assured to extend all possible cooperation as and when need arose.

In his speech, sericulture, excise and tribal affairs adviser Zhaleo Rio lauded the State government and private agencies, NGOs, village councils and youth for coming forward during these trying times providing all necessary logistics, cash and kind and encouraged them to continue their services.

“We are thankful to God as there is no positive case in Nagaland so far, but we should not be complacent,� he stressed.

Zhaleo said Dimapur had an enormous task and was doing good, but could still do better. He asked shopkeepers not to charge exorbitantly for essential commodities by taking advantage of the situation.

Power advisor Tovihoto thanked the Dimapur district administration, police, medical department and all those involved till date in containing the spread of COVID-19 in Dimapur, considered as the most vulnerable district in Nagaland. He asked the DC to continue monitoring prices of essential commodities and medical equipments, besides ensuring that there was no rush during shopping hours.

(Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C

state

2

COVID-19 reports from across the state

Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) workers ready to spray disinfectants in Kohima town on March 27. (KMC).

Correspondents KOHIMA/MOKOKCHUNG/WOKHA, MAR 27 (NPN): As the nation and the world struggles to contain further spread of COVID-19, Nagaland government and its agencies are seen taking all preventing measures to keep the virus away from the state.

Following are reports from districts across the state.

KMC issues home delivery permit With a view to cater to the need of the people during 21-day lockdown,

Kohima Municipal council (KMC) has issued permits to four firms for home delivery within KMC jurisdiction.

The permits were issued based on the firm’s self-declaration to comply proper hygiene and sanitization protocols such as zero contact with customer and use of mask, sanitizer, gloves while carrying out the home delivery services with the rate not exceeding more than Rs. 50.

The four firms are: YV Deliveries (7086471846); OE express (8729879861/

App-freshpack); Drift Basket (www.driftbasket. com 8795412096) and Seithogei (Green caravan – 7005127505).

KMC has asked citizens to send feedback / complaints of service to kmc.kohima@gmail.com.

Administrator KMC, Kovi Meyase, informed Nagaland Post that any individual or group interested to provide such services to contact the council.

He also requested all the wards panchayat to submit the numbers of dai-

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

Condolence messages on demise of late Dr. T.M Lotha

DIMAPUR: Angami pub- sation paid honour and lic organisation (APO) and tribute to the departed soul Lotha National Workers and the bereaved family.

NSCN/GPRN, in separate Lotha National workmessages, have condoled the ers: Lotha National Workdemise of late Dr. T.M Lotha, ers NSCN/GPRN while former minister, on March 26 expressing grief over the after a brief illness. demise of Dr. T.M Lotha APO: In a condolence stated that late Lotha was a message, Angami public “great human being and an organisation (APO) said astute parliamentarian and that during the short span distinguished gentleman”. of life, late Dr. T.M Lotha The Lotha national set various examples of workers said the demise of talents and dedicated his Dr. Lotha would leave a life in the service of the huge void for the political people. ecosystem, public life and APO said it mourns that it was a great loss not the loss of “a man of true only for his family but also quality whom people of for the Nagas in general Nagaland in general look and Lothas in particular. upon as a veteran in all Further, it has conspheres”, and added that veyed condolences to the his good gestures and valu- bereaved family members DMC workers spraying disinfectants at various places of Dimapur. able services towards the and prayed that the Alcommunity and society mighty God give them the ly wage earners categories The administrator also starting March 28. would never be forgotten. strength in these trying (both local and non local) informed that the council DMC begins disinfectFurther, the organi- times. within their jurisdiction has so far received Rs. 1.5 ing process latest by March 31, for sub- lakh donation towards the Dimapur Municipal mission to seek financial sanitation activities.

Council (DMC) has inassistance announced by 2 shops closed for vio- formed that it has sprayed the government of India. lating regulations in Mkg disinfectants at various KMC also appealed the The core team on places of Dimapur inward panchayat to submit essential commodities cluding Hospitals, Deputy the numbers sensibly.

COVID-19 Mokokchung Commissioner (DC) ofHe also infor med district on Friday issued fice, police stations and that Green Team Kohima an order to lock down/ checks points among other (GTK) has raised money closure of two shops for places. to supply daily ration to violating the government It has informed that daily wage labourers. He order and indulging in sale the equipments and dissaid the team would iden- of bulk items of essential infectants were provided A seminar on health, nutrition and substance abuse was tify daily wage earners in commodities.

by Dimapur Chamber of held at JMC hall in collaboration with Dr. Atsung Aier different wards across the The shops were asked Commerce and Industry and his team from CIHSR, Dimapur and Cherry blossom city and provide the ration. to close down for five days (DCCI). school, Kohima on March 14.

Various organisations condemn March 16 murder

DIMAPUR: Several organisations have vehemently condemned the murder of Er. Kevinguto Khate, son of late Rokozhasie Khate of Kuda Village, Dimapur on March 16. Late Khate was an assistant professor at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland, Chümoukedima CPO: Chakhroma Public Organization has strongly condemned the killing of one of its member, Er. Kevinguto Khate and has urged upon the law enforcing agencies to deliver justice at the earliest by awarding the severest punishment to the culprit(s).

In a condemnation note, CPO president, Vichütuolie Mere and general secretary, Mhiesisato Vüprü stated that suspecting foul play, the Kuda Youth Club officials and the victim’s family members examined the footage of the CCTV cameras installed by the Kuda Village at strategic locations wherein the in-

volvement of at least three persons was established.

The organisation said it has lost a prominent member and that the vacuum left behind by his sudden death would be difficult to fill in the near future.

Further, CPO prayed that the Almighty God grant solace to the bereaved family members and eternal peace to the departed soul.

KRD: Khonoma Rüffüno Dimapur (KRD) has vehemently condemned the cold blooded and gruesome murder of its member, Er. Kevinguto Khate.

In a condemnation note, KRD president, Kevizeto Meyase sad late Khate contributed greatly to the growth and development of the NIT Nagaland, a nascent premier institution.

KRD has appealed to the law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the murder without fear or favour so as to bring light to the motive behind the gruesome murder. It

also urged for befitting punishments to the culprit.

Further, KRD prayed that the Almighty God grant strength and solace to the bereaved family members and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

KYC: Kuda Youth Club has condemned the heinous murder of Er. Kevinguto Khate saying the demise was not only a loss for the youth Kuda youth but the village and Nagas in general. While expressing deep shock at the heinous crime, the club also applauded the police for their action in arresting the criminals.

KYC has asked the police to leave no stone unturned in solving the crime/ motive or conspiracy behind.

The club has also prayed to God to provide solace and comfort to the bereaved family members.

CAKU: Chakhro Angami Kuda Union has expressed deep shock at the gruesome murder of Er.

Kevinguto Khate.

In his death, the CAKU said it has lost a talented, upcoming academician with amiable in nature. CAKU while vehemently condemning such crime has appealed the law enforcing agencies not to left any stone unturned and booked the culprit at the earliest and punished them as per the law of the land.

CAKU has further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant strength and comfort them at this hour of grief, and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

CAKYO: The Chakhro Angami Kuda Youth Organisation (CAKYO) has vehemently condemned the brutal murder of its member, Er. Kevinguto Khate son of late Rokozhasie Khate on March 16.

CAKYO appealed to the law enforcing agencies to investigate the heinous crime and book all the cul-

prits at the earliest and leave no stone unturned in the investigation exploring all possible leads to greater conspiracy in cutting short the life and bright career of one of Nagaland’s young and promising structural engineer . The organisation also salutes the law enforcing agencies for the swift arrest of three culprits including a lady and two men so far and urged the police to hunt down all remaining accomplices/masterminds still at large. The organisation stated that the devilish act cannot be pardoned under any circumstances and the culprits should be punished under the severest sections of law.

CAKYO urged that under no circumstances should the culprits be granted any bail as this crime deserves the severest punishment.

The union extend its deepest condolences to the family members of the departed soul at this hour of grieve and mourning.

Leo Club of Dimapur (LCD) along with Lions Club of Blue Vanda Dimapur, Lions Club of Hornbill and Lions Club of Japfu distributed 500 packs of sanitary napkins to students of Railway School, Dimapur on March 19. Students were also explained about the hygiene from sanitary pads. (PRO LCD Leo Sneha Jain)

Financial intelligence programme for faculty and staff of Sazolie College and SCTE, Jotsoma was held on March 11 at the college premises with Lezo Putsere, director, Youthnet as the resource person.

Tuensang Police conduct several raids

As part of its mentoring programme under UGC-NAAC and department of higher education, IQAC, Kohima science college Jotsoma visited Mountain View Christian College, Phezha, Nerhema on March 16 and interacted with members of educational visionary society and teaching staff. Dr. Seyiekhrielie Whiso, coordinator, IQAC presented the importance and procedures regarding academic and administrative audit and NAAC assessment followed by Q&A session. (Kohima Science college)

DIMAPUR: Tuensang Police conducted several raids at different locations in and around Tuensang town and booked several persons under relevant section of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.

According to a press release by the office of Superintendent of Police (SP) Tuensang on March 9, Tuensang police foot patrolling duty party on suspicion intercepted one person and on conducting a “search” recovered 16 SP capsules and ten Alprazolam tablets.

The arrested person was identified as C Ongmang (26) son of Chang Imlong of Nyinem Village, Tuensang and presently residing at St. John ‘B’ Sector Tuensang.

Acting on the con-

fession of the arrested person, Tuensang police also raided the house of Longkhangba (33) son of Soyem of Yimrup village and present resident of St. John Sector ‘A’ Tuensang.

During the search, police recovered 47 SP capsules and 10 Alprazolam tablets.

Following the case, the investigation team also raided the house of Mahendra Kumar (30) son of Innar of Beluara village under Santkabia Nagar and presently residing at Longkhim town.

During the search 497 bottles of cough syrup and 18,950 SP capsules were also recovered from his possession.

In this connection a regular criminal case has been registered, informed Tuensang police.

An inspection team from Nagaland University visited MGM College on March 16 for renewal of affiliation of the college under Nagaland University. The members prof. Dr. Rakesh Rai, Dr. Md. Aktar Jamal and Dr. Likhase Sangtam inspected the infrastructure and facilities at the campus especially followed by an interactive session with the members along with faculty members, principal Fr. Dr. Shibu Varghese, vice principal, Durga Malakar. The members stressed on the importance of pursuing PhD degree for teaching faculty, importance of publications and induction programme courses for teachers. (Media Cell MGM College)

news in Brief Keeping aspirations of locals and youths of Satho P Khel, Kohima and focusing towards health awareness, Assam Rifles, Kohima Battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North), facilitated the youths with an Open Gym (12’ X15’) and Gym equipments on March 20.

Lost and found: SBI ATM card belonging to Ranjit Kumar Singhvi was found on March 25 at ATM booth, Dimapur Town. Rightful owner has been asked to contact at 9774210640 and claim the same.

World Oral Health Day was celebrated at conference hall of Superintendent of Police, Longleng with DEF officers and available staff with Dr. Bongnau and Dr. Lemshikala of Longleng District Hospital as the resource persons on March 20. (DIPR)

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

COVID-19: Contributions continue; information, appeals, directives issued

Members of IHRC Nagaland handing over the cash to ADC Dimapur V. Lovitoly Sema. (NP)

LDWS distributing food grains to poor and needy people.

NPF minority wing distributes masks and hand sanitizers.

Citizens of Kiphire district standing in queue to purchase essential commodities on Masks and shower caps being handed over to Dr. Lhomithi Colony Youth block entry into the colony to combat COVID-19 pandemic March 27 by maintaining social distancing. (DIPR) Hesso. during nationwide lockdown on March 27. (NP)

Hand wash facility provided by Oking Hospital, Kohima for the visitors Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home banned visitors due to COVID-19 Westyard Colony, Dimapur block entry into the colony during nationwide lockdown before the hospital entrance. (NP) for preventive measure for the safety of children. (NP) on March 27. (NP)

DIMAPUR: Following the outbreak of COVID19 across the world and subsequently being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the state government and its agencies along and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have taken up several measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Several Civil Society Organisations and individuals have also come forward and extended help to the people in the frontline.

IHRC Nagaland says state ‘lacking’ in fight against COVID-19 Indian Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Nagaland chapter, chairman, S. Richard Humtsoe, has said that Nagaland state was still “lacking in many ways” in fighting against COVID-19.

Humtsoe buttress his point by citing an example of Bhandari under Wokha district which he claimed has only “one thermal scanner for travellers coming from other states”.

He said, “Almost all districts are facing the same problems. They don’t have nagalandpost.com Poll hand sanitizers and gloves.

Q.: Is the Centre providing It is very pathetic to learn a d e q u a t e f u n d s that doctors and nurses are to states to combat sent on duty without any coronavirus? protective gear and there are shortages of Personal Pro100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– tection Equipment (PPE).

90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– They don’t have masks 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– to wear while combating 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COVID-19.”

50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In this regard, Humt40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– soe appealed the state 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– government to extend its 20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– highest priority in the fight 10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– against COVID-19 as it 0% was the “burning need” of A B C the hour.

22% A Yes. He also maintained 67% B No. that it was everyone’s re11% sponsibility to contribute C Can’t Say. and support the fight against Next poll COVID-19. Earlier, IHRC Q: Has the chief of World Nagaland chapter donated Health Organisation Rs. one lakh to Dimapur dis(WHO) s h o w n trict administration through incompetence in the ADC Dimapur, Lovitoly COVID issue?

Sema.

DC Mon announces  Yes. home delivery service  No. Deputy Commissioner,  Can’t Say. Mon, Thavaseelan K, stated that the district administraWEATHER tion Mon and Mon Town FORECAST Council in collaboration March 28 with Naga Logistics will be starting a home delivery ser(Temperature in ºC) Max Min vice of essential commodiAgartala Hazy sun and unseasonably hot 38 20 ties and medicines at any Aizawl Hazy sunshine and very warm 32 15 location within Mon Town.

Guwahati Very warm with hazy sunshine 35 20 The DC informed that Rs. Imphal Hazy sunshine 32 13 10 will be charged for delivItanagar A couple of morning showers 27 18 ery and an extra amount of Shillong Hazy sunshine 26 14 Rs. 10 for packages weighKohima Hazy sunshine 27 13 ing more than 10 kgs. The Dimapur Hazy sunshine and very warm 35 19 DC has asked citizens to Mkg 28 16 Hazy sunshine contact W. Ape Konyak Tuensang An a.m. shower; hazy, cooler 19 11 (7085907170) and E. Amo Wokha Hazy sunshine and humid 27 19 Minphai (8794804710) to Zunheboto Hazy sunshine 25 14 avail the service.

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Helpline for students heading to Mon The DC Mon also notified that the students/individuals from Mon District, who are returning home but stranded en route, to contact Khenpa Konyak (9612892236) for any assistance, if required.

Regulations on purchase of essential commodities Deputy Commissioner Mon has issued an order imposing regulations for purchase of essential commodities in Mon town with effect from March 27 till further order.

The DC stated that maximum permissible quantities per day, per family are as follows: rice 10 kg; dal I kg; oil I litre; milk powder I kg; sugar 1 kg and tea leaves 1 kg.

Shopkeepers have been ordered for strict compliance to the regulations and warned that any person/ group in violation of the order would be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the IPC. In another order, the DC Mon has barred all social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions, gatherings for a period of 21 days with effect from March 25.

Pohwang meets Mon DC & SP Advisor F&ES, SIRD & RR, Pohwang Konyak held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Mon and Superintendent of Police, Mon district on COVID-19.

The meeting was to evaluate on the measures taken up for prevention of COVID-19 and to discuss necessary actions to follow under Mon district. The advisor also donated masks to police personnel on duty.

Timeline set for shops in Longleng Deputy Commissioner Longleng, M. Shayung Phom has directed all the shops and business establishments dealing with groceries and vegetables to open their shops and businesses establishments from 7 a.m.

to 1 p.m. The DC has also directed bakeries and paan shops to remain closed with immediate effect till further order.

Kohima Ao Baptist Church donates Kohima Ao Baptist Church in a letter addressed to the Chief Secretar y Temjen Toy has assured that they will be donating Rs. 3 lakhs to the Government of Nagaland for procuring more Personal Protective Equipments for better protection of the mainline workers. Besides the monetary donation, the Church expressed its heartfelt prayer for God to intervene and aid all the mainline workers who are putting their lives at risk for the safety and healing of the citizens.

DC Kohima bans unauthorized private water tankers Gregory Thejawelie Deputy Commissioner Kohima has informed that in the interest of public service and safety, all private water tankers not possessing necessary permit issued by the Kohima Municipal Council have been banned from plying with immediate effect.

Further, the following guidelines are to be strictly followed by the drivers and handymen of the permitted private water tankers: No passengers will be allowed except for the driver and handyman; the vehicle should be properly sanitized; no other articles/ materials should be carried except water; and the driver and handyman should wear hand gloves, mask and use sanitizers at all times.

DC Zunheboto directs VCCs/GBS DC, Zunheboto, Peter Lichamo has sent out a circular for strict compliance with immediate effect, directing all VCCs/GBs of all villages and wards under Zunheboto district to carry out the following order: To identify, ascertain and compile the number and details of daily wage earners within their jurisdiction and submit to the nearest Administration HQ/Circle. The respective area administrative

officers shall ensure that the compilation is collected on an urgent basis. To assist the MOs/Rapid Response teams in strictly enforcing the home quarantine of any individual who has been placed under surveillance by the medical department within their respective jurisdiction. The concerned MOs/RRTs have been asked to coordinate with the VCCs and/or GBs in identifying the individuals placed under home quarantine.

DC Tuensang issues order In the interest of the public safety and health, as decided in the meeting of the District Task Force on COVID -19 Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant has issued the following directives for strict compliance by all concerned: All the shops and business establishment within the jurisdiction of Tuensang Town Council selling essential goods and commodities will remain open for public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. only. Pharmacies and Petrol Pump may follow the regular timings.

The order comes into force with immediate effect and shall remain enforced till further order.

Kohima DTF visits quarantine & treatment centres The Kohima COVID19 District Task Force led

by DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie visited and took stock of the preparations underway at the quarantine centre being set up at Meriema, Kohima which can house upto 432 persons who are under quarantine.

The team also visited the COVID-19 treatment centre at Chedema where all positive cases of COVID19 in Kohima district will undergo treatment. The hospital is well equipped with proper isolation wards and ICUs and will serve as the main centre for treating COVID-19 positive patients under Kohima district.

The team finally visited the interstate checkgate at Kuzhama where screening is being done on all those entering into Nagaland. The

team had a brief discussion with the healthcare and police personnel posted at the check gate regarding their safety and welfare.

Business to open for 2 hours in Kiphire As per the order given by the Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Sarita Yadav, daily bazaar and grocery shops will be open only on alternate days i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The shops were opened for two hours on March 27to the public to purchase their daily essential commodities. They were also allowed to purchase only 10 kg of foodgrains per family. After two hours, all the shops, public movement and vehicular movement were stopped.

KODH restricts visit In an attempt to prevent spread of COVID-19, Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home (KODH) has restricted visit of outsiders. KODH chairman, Neibanuo said the decision to restrict entry of nonresidents to the home was taken keeping in mind the safety and wellbeing of the children. Neibanuo said the measure was taken as the management does not have sufficient safety gears for all the children.

Inadequate medical team & police at Tseminyu Keeping in mind the “insufficient” police force and medical team in Tseminyu headquarters, Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) has informed that it will be extending all possible assistance and support to the district administration in implementing the COVID-19 safety measures to the public.

In a press release, RSZ president, Kenneth Kath and general secretary, Sokenye Kent said the union interacted with the additional deputy commissioner and senior medical officer Tseminyu in this regard.

RSZ said the youth bodies shall extend all support and assistance to the village authority to make sure that people are made aware of the dreadful spread of the virus and to educate

the community in dealing with the situation.

RSZ informed that its volunteers will assist the administration and police force, time to time, in making a routine checking of all business establishments.

The union said all routes entering into the Rengma area shall be strictly manned.

The union has also asked the state government to supply and issue all basic necessary equipments to the medical team to carry out their duty. RSZ has also asked doctors and medical fraternity posted under Tseminyu sub division to be at station to assist the people at any given situation.

Testing time for GBs, says DDGBA Dimapur District GB’s Association (DDGBA) has appealed all GBs of respective villages, wards and colonies to police, administration or medical teams as and when required.

DDGBA president, Khehovi V. Chophi and general secretary, L.Ponghok Phom said it was “collective responsibilities” to fight against this pandemic and reminded that GBs that they have huge roles to play and contribute. Stating that it was a “testing time” for the GBs, DDGBA said GBs have to show their “solidarity” during such crisis and to attend to the “needs and service” of the public rather than shying away from responsibilities.

Meanwhile, DDGBA also appreciated the central and state administrations for taking strong measures to stop and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

CVC asks residents to follow rules Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC) has appealed its residents to adhere to the 21-day lockdown order and various preventive and precautionary measures. The council has directed all residents to remain at home uncles for basic necessity and medical emergency. It has directed shop owners/keepers within its jurisdiction to wear mask and wash hands with soap or

use hand sanitizer. CVC has prohibited meetings/functions/ public gathering.

CVC has also asked any person returning from outside the state to self quarantine for at least 14 days and remain isolated from the family members. They are also asked to inform the village council authority, CMO or colony/ward leaders of their whereabouts.

The council has also barred visitors/outsiders from entering Chümoukedima village jurisdiction. Any individual wanting to enter the village has been asked to seek prior permission from the village council. It has also tasked Chümoukedima Village Youth Society (CVYS) to strictly monitor all entry and exit points.

MVC bans entry of outsiders Medziphema Village Council (MVC) has barred entry of visitors/outsiders within Medziphema jurisdiction with immediate effect till further government order. The council has also asked any individual coming from outside the state to self quarantine for 14 days as per government guidelines.

MVC cautioned that any individual /group not adhering to government guidelines, within its village jurisdiction, will be strictly dealt with.

NPF extends assistance NPF minority wing distributed masks and hand sanitizers to some “needy” people in hospitals, drivers on road and police personnel on duty in town area on March 25 and 26.

S.D. Jain Samaj distributes food Digambar Jain community distributed food packets, fruits and water to the police personnel, volunteers on duty and the needy in and around Dimapur town.

LDWS distributes essentials Longchen Developmental Welfare Society (LDWS), Aoyimti village distributed food grains to the poor and needy people in and around Dimapur on March 25 and 26.

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northeast

4

M’laya CM inspects market place

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

Mnp CM orders ministers to supervise combat of COVID-19

Correspondent

Assam Police feed poor amid lockdown

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAR 27: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday took to the streets of the city to oversee the arrangements made for selling of essential items on the third day of the nation-wide lockdown.

During his ground zero visit, Sangma urged people to maintain distance between them as they qued up for stocking on groceries. Chaotic scenes were witnessed in Shillong on Friday after shops were opened to allow people to purchase essential commodities.

Despite the government advisory that only one person from each family is allowed to go out to buy essential items, people in large numbers of people thronged the streets failed to maintain physical social distancing as the government is making all efforts to prevent infection of COVID-19 in the state.

A large number of vehicles also seen plying in the city, and the traffic policemen had to force those vehicles without valid car pass to return home.

“People need to adhere to the health department guidelines and strictly self impose themselves in their respective house to ensure that the State is not in the COVID-19 pandemic map,” a visibly upset M .Rapthap said seeing people overcrowding at a store in Laitumkhrah market. Another

Guwahati, Mar 27 (PTI): The 21-day nationwide lockdown has brought out both sides of the Assam Police, with its personnel, on one hand, enforcing the restrictions on the movement of people by caning violators and making them do push-ups and on the other, they were also seen feeding the poor and helping the needy.

The lockdown imposed

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of novel coronavirus entered the third day on Friday.

Individual and collective deeds of kindness by police personnel were witnessed across the state in the past two days.

While lone constables were seen feeding beggars in Golaghat and Nalbari districts, a police team distributed food grains to the needy in Nagaon district.

Another such team eased the homeward-bound journey of an octogenarian who walked nearly 100 km from Kaliabor to reach Biswanath Chariali by giving him lift in a police vehicle to his village in Lakhimpur district.

On Thursday, personnel of the Smart Protection Unit of the Assam Police were seen distributing cooked food in Guwahati’s Fancy Bazar area.

The 70,000-strong state police force has earned praise from people for such initiatives.

IMPHAL, Mar 27: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday appointed his cabinet ministers as district in-charges to supervise “ various activities for measures to combat outbreak of COVID-19 in the state.

The ministers will also look into the supply of essential commodities in each district where they would look after the activities, an order of the chief minister secretariat appointing the ministers as district incharge issued today stated.

As per the order, deputy chief minister Y Joykumar is the district in-charge of Imphal West, works minister Th Biswajit Singh for Imphal East, health minister L Jayantakumar for Bishnupur district, CAF&PD minister Karam Shyam for Jiribam, YAS minister Letpao Haokip for Chandel and Tengnoupal district, fisheries minister N Kayisii for Tamenglong and Noney districts.

Further, PHE minister Loshii Dikho will supervise the activities related with the containment work in Ukhrul and Kamjong, agriculture minister V Hankhanlian for Churachandpur and Pherzawl, social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen for Kangpokpi and Senapati and education minister Th Radheshyam for Thoubal and Kakching.

Official sources said that the chief minister handed over the charge to

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday overseeing the arrangements made for selling of essential items. senior citizen, S Lamare lambasted the government for not taking action against those lockdown violators.

“I don’t know why the police is not taking action against those lockdown violators. It is like any normal Sunday in Shillong people driving on the road, walking and sitting on the road,” Lamare asked.

Ironically, the rural folks appeared are more sensible and adhered to the health department guidelines on physical social distancing on Friday when they came out to replenish their essential items. The Chief Minister admitted that the government has received complaints about citizens not maintaining social distancing in few locations around the city.

“Physical distancing is so crucial for our safety and for the safety of every-

one around us. We need to take personal initiative and underscore the seriousness of the situation. Please educate everyone around you,” the Chief Minister said.

M’laya CM inspects Corona Isolation Centre

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also inspected the “Corona Isolation Centre” at Indian Insitute of ManagementShillong and at Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute in Mawdiangdiang.

The two isolation centre will be able to accommodate 300 plus people and will be used for patients who would require medical attention. During his visit, Sangma was accompanied

by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and a host of health department officials. So far, not

Sikkim announces incentive for government staff

A boy carries a sack of rice on his shoulder as he and hundreds of people thronged market places in Shillong on Friday to replenish essential items in view of the nation-wide lockdown. (NP)

M’laya church asks parishes to open facilities as quarantine centres

Shillong, Mar 27 (PTI): The Catholic Church here has written to its parishes across the Khasi Jaintia Hills region to open the facilities as centres for quarantine, if the need arises, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Shillong Archdiocese administrator John Madur asked the parishes to provide shelter to those in need of space and food during the crisis. I understand we are in difficult times. But I am sure we can be of some services to humanity, he said in a letter to the over 30 parishes under its jurisdiction.

The Catholic Church is one of the biggest churches in the state with over 3 lakh members.

Gangtok, Mar 27 (PTI): The Sikkim government on Friday announced a one-time incentive of Rs 3,000 to the employees of police, health and family welfare, transport and urban development departments, who are engaged in containing the COVID-19 outbreak in the state.

Sikkim police personnel engaged in screening people and maintaining law and order and those health and family welfare department employees posted in hospitals and check posts and working to prevent COVID-19 outbreak will be eligible for the incentive of Rs 3000, a notification issued by Chief Secretary S C Gupta said. Similarly, transport department truck drivers doing emergency duties ferrying essential commodities durin46g the lockdown period and safai karmcharis of urban development department will get it. The heads of departments must ensure that only eligible employees are considered for the incentive package, Gupta said. In view of lack of work during the 21-day lockdown period, the state government has decided to provide free ration over and above PDS entitlement to needy families, the chief secretary said.

a single case of COVID-19 has been detected in Meghalaya, even as more than 80 blood samples tested negative at the governmentowned North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) super-specialty hospital.

Tynsong said more than 3000 returnees to the state are under voluntary self-quarantine at home.

“Health officials and health workers are in constant touch with them (returnees) tracking their wellbeing,” he informed.

Noting that government is “equipped” to deal with the situation, Tynsong informed that 39 life-saving ventilators are in place and another 24 are on their way to the state. Sangma said that the isolation centres are in compliance with the advisory protocols.

Entrepreneurs come together as Mizoram fights coronavirus Aizawl, Mar 26 (PTI): From contributing to the chief minister’s relief fund to helping people tide through the lockdown, lawmakers, community leaders and well-to-do families in Mizoram are joining hands to fight the coronavirus.

Calling for concerted effort to deal with the prevailing situation, Chief Minister Zoramthanga provided financial assistance of Rs 1.2 lakh to all local-level task forces within his constituency, Aizawl East-I. Mizorams lone Lok Sabha member C Lalrosanga on Thursday donated Rs 15 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for purchase of personal protective equipment and other necessary expenses.

Lalrosanga, who is currently camping in the national capital, is closely monitoring the condition of the people from the state stranded in different parts of the country so as to ensure that they face no inconvenience.

Deputy chief minister Tawnluia also provided financial assistance of Rs 1.72 lakh to local-level task forces on COVID-19 within his constituency, Tuichang.

He lauded volunteers set out to fight the deadly virus while risking their lives. Tawnluia assured them

of all kinds of help.

Health minister R Lalthangliana donated Rs 1 lakh to Hnahthial district task force. Congress leader and Palak MLA KT Rokhaw donate Rs 10 lakh to the Siaha district-level task force to fight the virus.

He asked the people to support the volunteers and also adhere to the government guidelines to prevent its further spread in the state.

Rajya Sabha member Ronald Sapa Tlau also donated Rs 10 lakh to the CMRF. Ruling Mizo National Front MLA Lalrinsanga Raltte and Zoram People’s Movement legislator Vanlalthlana not only installed water tanks for public use but donated money and assisted families facing a food crisis.

Young entrepreneurs John Lalpeka and Lalmalsawma Nghaka also donated Rs 5 lakh and Rs 50,000, respectively, to help the efforts in tackling the disease.

Mizoram synod donated Rs 2 lakh to the CMRF. The state reported its first case of coronavirus on Wednesday with a 50year-old man, who returned from Amsterdam, testing positive. He is undergoing treatment at the Zoram Medical College (ZMC) and his condition is stated to be improving.

Itanagar, Mar 27 (PTI): The Tawang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has placed two girls under home quarantine after they were found to have travelled in the same flight with a man from Mizoram, who tested positive for COVID19, a senior government official said on Friday.

The girls, both students, were seated next to the 50- year-old man on a New Delhi-Guwahati flight on March 16, he said.

“Their samples have been collected by officials in Tawang and sent to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Thursday evening,” Health and Family Welfare SecreK Y M C

tary P Parthiban said.

The girls are under home quarantine in Tawang.

The elderly pastor, who recently returned from Amsterdam, tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram on Tueday, making it the second case of the disease in the northeast. Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Police registered 20 FIRs and detained 133 people in the last 24 hours for violating lockdown rules. Police also imposed fine on people to the tune of Rs 1,68,700 during the period, DGP R P Upadhyaya said here.

“We have set up a dedicated 24-hour control room in the state capital for the 21-day lockdown phase,”

he said. The DGP added that all the district SPs have been asked to strictly enforce the lockdown, particularly at the 38 permanent and 50 temporary check posts spread across the state.

Essential services like groceries, vegetable markets and medicine shops are allowed to remain open, he said. In another development, employees under the aegis of Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) on Friday said they will contribute a day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to assist the state government in its effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic, a release said.

Aizawl, March 27 (PTI): Personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, infrared sensors and shoe covers arrived in Aizawl on Friday making Mizoram the first state in the Northeast to receive such a consignment from the Centre, an official said.

The consignment consisting of 10,900 sets of PPE, 10,000 pieces of N95 mask, 200 infrared sensors and 900 pairs of shoe covers arrived at the lone Lengpui airport by a cargo flight in the afternoon, he said.

The consignment weighing nearly 1,800 kg was dispatched from New Delhi, he said.

State health department officials said that another consignment of 400 PPE kits, 1,000 litres of hand sanitizer, 1,000 caps, 1,000 pairs of shoe cover, 179 surgical gowns and 700 non-woven materials are supposed to come to Aizawl from Guwahati.

The consignment is likely to arrive here in a truck by Saturday, they said.

Mizoram has stepped up measures in its fight against the coronavirus after the state reported its first case on Wednesday.

A 50-year-old man, with a travel history to Amsterdam, tested positive for COVID-19 at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

Assam closes down markets as people jostle to buy essential items

Locals stand in a queue to buy vegetables, during day-3 of a nationwide lockdown, imposed in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, at Ulubari in Guwahati, (PTI) Guwahati, Mar 27 (PTI): Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the government will close down markets in the city to avoid overcrowding after people jostled to get essential items despite the advice of social distancing in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

Fancy Bazar, the main commercial hub of the Northeast, was chock-ablock with people knocking each other to buy food items, vegetables, meat and fish.

Tempos, trucks, private vehicles, rickshaws and hand-carts blocked the roads near the market, seeming to be just any other usual

2 girls quarantine in Arunachal for sitting Tripura village erects ‘lockdown barricade’ next to COVID-19 positive man in flight to make people wash hands before entering Agartala, Mar 27 (PTI): At the entrance of their tiny village in Tripura, people have put up a barricade and pasted a notice on it declaring that no one will be allowed to enter without washing his or her hands with soap and water.

They also kept water in a big bucket, a mug and a bar of soap in front of the barricade which would be lifted only after the person seeking to enter the village thoroughly cleans his or her hands. The rule applies to outsiders as well as villagers.

“We have named it Lockdown Barricade,” said Samir Kalai, an elderly villager of Bairagi Para, showing the bamboo barricade to reporters. “This is the way we are trying to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.” Bairagi Para in Mohanpur subdivision of West Tripura district is about 60 kilometres from Agartala. It is inhabited by around 1,000 tribal people.

“We are aware of the danger of coronavirus. So, a few days back we convened

supervise measures being taken up in the districts to ensure outreach to all nook and corner of the state.

The daily status update on COVID-19 provided by the state medical directorate stated that 10 samples were tested for the disease today and all turned out to be negative.

With the 10 sample tested today, a total of 47 persons have been tested for COVID-19. Except the woman who already tested positive, no other samples tested positive for the deadly virus, the report stated.

The number of people who have been put on quarantine has risen to 200 with one with symptomatic person. The person is currently in the isolated ward of JNIMS hospital, it added.

On the other hand, the state government today worked out a methodology to open grocery shops and others for essential items.

As per the new arrangement, shops and establishments dealing with diary and milk booths, meat and fish shops, animal fodder/ feed will be allowed to open and function during the lockdown period.

The arrangement was worked out after these establishments were made non-functional due to want of a standard operational procedure and in compliance with the guidelines for lockdown regarding closure of commercial and private establishments issued by the government of India.

Masks, infrared sensors, PPE arrive in Mizoram

a meeting of the elders of the village and decided that we must erect a barricade at the entry point. We also decided to keep a bucket of water, a mug and soap for washing hands. Without washing hands, nobody is allowed to enter,” Kalai said.

These days, people also need permission from elders to go out of the village, he said. Tripura has declared lockdown on March 23, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the measure in the entire country for three weeks.

“We also generally do not allow outsiders. They need to obtain permission from village heads to enter Bairagi Para,” Kalai said. The initiative was appreciated

by District Magistrate Sandeep Namdeo Mahatme.

“The level of awareness is generally high in Tripura. People here know why they need to maintain social distancing and wash their hands. This initiative is appreciable,” he said.

working day.

Similar were the scenes in other markets in the city and the districts, following a government directive that the people will be allowed to stock up essential commodities between 8 am and 7 pm.

When contacted by PTI, all-powerful finance minister Sarma said in a message, “We need to close (the markets) immediately.

Instructed CS (Chief Secretary) already.”

Soon, police were seen announcing that the markets need to be shut down and people return to their homes.

The minister later

tweeted, “Request to every one -please do not go out of our own Home. We are in very critical condition. Need to follow every word of @ narendramodi in both letter and spirit. Please police announce.”

An official notification had on Thursday said that for convenience of people during the ongoing lockdown period, it was necessary that essential items are made accessible, fixing the 8 am to 7 pm window for retailers.

The notification, however, stated no congregation of people take place during those hours and social distancing must be ensured.

To our Sweetheart Chuthei, You may be a little girl, but you affected so many lives already. You are our little angel who always turn a bad day to a day full of sunshine. Your laugh is infectious! We hope you will continue spreading good cheers to people around you as you grow old. You are a wonderful kid, different from all the rest. You are such a blessing and we are forever grateful. We Love You So Much “Happy Birthday our Little Girl.

Lots of Love Your Loved ones. You are so sweet, thank you!

Dear Kaka A wish for you on your birthday, whatever you ask may you receive, whatever you seek may you find, whatever you wish may it be fulfilled on your birthday and always. Happy birthday! Go bless you.

With love and care, Family members K Y M C

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

President Kovind talks to Governors, LGs asks them to Mobilise voluntary, religious organisation to contain COVID-19 spread

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): President Ram Nath Kovind Friday asked Governors and Lt Governors of states and union territories to mobilise voluntary and religious organisations to aid the effort to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

In a video-conference with the Governors, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of states and UTs, the President and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who also attended the conference, asked them to find ways to complement the efforts of the central and state governments in meeting the challenges arising from the outbreak of COVID-19.

President Kovind and Vice President Naidu expressed hope that the Indian society’s inherent strength of “sharing and caring” and the government’s measures would mitigate the sufferings of the most vulnerable sections of the society, particularly the workers of the unorganised sector and the destitute, it said.

“The President began the conference by exhorting to the collective strength of the society and urged Governors, LGs and Administrators to mobilise volunteers of Indian Red Cross Society, voluntary and religious organisations to contain the menace at the earliest,” the statement said.

The President urged

Ram Nath Kovind interacts with Governors, Lt Governors and Administrators of all States and Union Territories on issues related to COVID-19 through a video-conference, in New Delhi. (PTI)

everyone to hold regular stock-taking with their state governments and make contributions in a way that the battle again the coronavirus could be won.

He also said the best practices can be emulated in other parts of the country, the statement said.

In the video-conference, the Delhi Lt Governor 14 Governors -- from the worst hit areas -- were shortlisted to share their experiences.

The video-conference was conducted by the Vice President and it brought out the best mitigation practices initiated by various state, it said.

The discussions related to the status of COVID-19 in the states, the role of the Red Cross and that of civil

society/voluntary organisations in aiding the efforts of the governments, especially with the lockdown and other emerging challenges, it daded The video-conference began with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari outlining measures initiated in his state.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan lauded the role of the government, voluntary organisations, medical professionals, paramedics and the police for their coordinated effort to persuade people to maintain social distancing.

He recited a couplet.

“Yun hi basabab na fira karo, kisi shaam ghar bhi raha karo” (which broadly translates to ‘don’t roam around without any pur-

pose, stay at your home’) to emphasise on social distancing. The statement further said 1,800 retired doctors and MBBS students Kerala have enlisted with the state government to volunteer with their services if a need arises.

“375 Psychologists are also roped in to give advice to those who find quarantine as difficult phase in their lives. This is considered to be an innovative move in Kerala worth emulating for other states,” it said.

Kerala (129 cases) and Maharashtra (127) have reported maximum number of COVID-19 positive cases.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala extolled the collective strength of the society to fight the menace.

“Akshay Patra, a social or-

ganisation, is also actively involved in distributing food packets all over the state,” it said.

Satyadeo Narayan Arya, the Haryana Governor, said the state was fully prepared to meet all challenges.

Delhi LG Anil Baijal said the city government and all other agencies were working in perfect coordination to enforce the lockdown and while also mitigating people’s problems. He also pointed out that he was meeting his CM every day to take stock of the situation.

G u j a r a t G ove r n o r Acharya Dev Brat said that quarantine facilities in the state were being augmented. Social awareness programmes have been initiated to motivate people to follow guidelines, it said.

Governor of Telangana Tamilisai Soundararajan said the state is extensively using social media to spread awareness.

Soundararajan also informed that Raj Bhavan has taken steps to provide food to about 800 needy families living nearby.

Vice President Naidu suggested her to take help of artistes, film stars, writers and intellectuals to raise the level of awareness.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said universities in his state are ready to offer its services and space.

Himachal Governor

Bandaru Dattatraya said special efforts are being made to ensure awareness in district with tribal population, the statement said.

Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan talked about the state’s proximity to international border that makes it vulnerable to spread of the disease. He praised the state government’s effort to contain the virus.

“The Red Cross in the State has also been using its volunteers to spread awareness and its ambulances are available for use by District authorities,” Chauhan said.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit informed that construction workers re being provided Rice, Dal etc. All rice ration card holders under PDS will be given Rs 1,000, he said.

“Amma canteens are being used to provide subsidised food,” the statement said.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lal Ji Tandon praised quick response of the state administration and said measures are taken to ensure food is made available to daily-wagers, Tandon said.

Punjab Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh V P Singh Badnore informed that Red Cross was helping supply food packets in Chandigarh.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, informed that a fund has been created to enable people to make donations.

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SpiceJet willing to fly migrants during lockdown

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): SpiceJet has offered services of its aircraft and crew members to the government for any humanitarian mission during the 21-day lockdown and the airline is ready to operate some flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Patna to alleviate the suffering of migrant workers, especially those from Bihar, its CMD Ajay Singh said on Friday.

While domestic and international passenger flights have been banned till April 14 midnight, IndiGo and GoAir have also offered their aircraft and crew and staff members to the government for any mission required to contain the spread of coronavirus.

“We have offered our aircraft and crew for any humanitarian mission that the government needs us to fly. We are already flying food, medicines and medical equipment for government every day (on our freighter aircraft),” Singh told PTI. “We would like to alleviate the suffering of the migrant workers, especially those from Bihar, by flying some flights between Delhi/Mumbai and Patna,” he added.

India has imposed a 21-day lockdown, which came into force on Wednesday, to check the spread of the virus which has claimed at least 17 lives and infected over 700 people so far.

Currently, while there is a ban on international

and domestic passenger flights in the country, allcargo flights and flights specifically approved by the DGCA can operate as usual, according to the aviation regulator.

SpiceJet has five B737 freighter aircraft in its fleet and they are operating normally. However, the airline’s entire commercial passenger aircraft fleet of 82 Boeing 737, two Airbus A320 and 32 Bombardier Q-400s is currently grounded.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to give permission to airlines to conduct flights using their commercial passenger aircraft with just cargo in their belly.

Singh said, “SpiceJet operated a special charter flight from Delhi to Coimbatore today on government’s request. This flight was operated at a very short notice and carried a Hazmat suit.

This will help local authorities replicate and start local manufacturing.”

The special charter flight did not carry any cargo except the Hazmat suit, he added.

“We will do as much as we can to help our government and fellow citizens in the fight to defeat coronavirus,” he said.

IndiGo on Wednesday said that it has offered the Union civil aviation ministry its “resources, aircraft and crew” to transport medicine, equipment and relief material from one part of the country to another.

Army Chief asks force to take Getting battle-ready for COVID-19 emergency: NDRF all precautions against coronavirus NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday launched an initiative christened ‘Operation Namaste’ to insulate the 1.3 million strong force from coronavirus infection and extend all possible assistance to the government in containing the pandemic.

He also asked all Army personnel to take prescribed precautions against the virus and assured soldiers and officers deployed along borders with Pakistan and China that special care is being taken of their families in the wake of the pandemic.

“I would request everyone to take care of themselves and their families. Your safety is my first responsibility,” the Army Chief said.

“I want to assure all the soldiers posted on the border that we will take special care of your families.

Naravane We will achieve success in the ‘Operation Namaste’,” he told reporters.

Gen Naravane also conveyed to the families of the soldiers guarding India’s borders with Pakistan and China that the Army is taking care of its personnel serving the country in this difficult time.

“As the Army Chief, it is my priority to protect my force. We all will have to stay away from this disease.

We will be able to serve the nation when we are away from the disease,” he said.

Central Vista project should be put on hold indefinitely: Jairam

Jairam Ramesh NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday called for indefinitely putting on hold the government’s ambitious Central Vista project, saying the thousands of crores of rupees that will be spent on it could be used for more pressing issues.

He said it is “obscene” that the government is going ahead with the project even now, referring to the country’s efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Ramesh’s comments come in the backdrop the Centre approving the land use change for execution of

the Central Vista redevelopment project in Lutyens’ Delhi last week.

“It is not just insensitive, but obscene to be thinking of the New Central Vista project now. It should be put on hold indefinitely. There are more pressing uses for the thousands of crores that will be spent to satisfy one man’s ego,” the Congress leader said in a tweet.

He also shared a news report claiming that the project is likely to be delayed by a few weeks due to a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Over the past few days, several opposition leaders have criticised the government for notifying the land use change for the project.

The redevelopment project of Central Vista -the nation’s power corridor -- envisages a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, common Central Secretariat and revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath -- from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.

He said that social distancing among the Army personnel may not be possible to implement in key formations due tactical and operational reasons.

Because of this, he said it was important for Army personnel to keep themselves safe and fit.

Under ‘Operation Namaste’, the Army has issued series of directives to all its bases to insulate the force from the coronavirus. The Army headquarters issued a number of advisories in the last few weeks to deal with the situation.

“To fight this problem (coronavirus), the government has taken several special steps. In this fight, it is our duty to help the government and civil administration,” the Army Chief said.

The Army has already set up command-wise helpline as part of measures to deal with any possible eventualities arising out of the pandemic.

KO L K ATA , M A R 2 7 (PTI): The NDRF, the specialised force to tackle disasters, is getting battle-ready should its services are required amid rising cases of the deadly COVID 19 that has put the country under an unprecedented lockdown, its Director General S N Pradhan said.

Pradhan said personnel of the National Disaster Response Force are also present in all the COVID-19 state control rooms as part of its preparedness.

We have prepared 84 small core teams per battalion. The force is trying to cover 600 personnel in each battalion with personal protection equipment (PPE)... we have informed the chief secretaries of all the states that we are on standby mode and can be called in as and when required in terms of the protocol, he told PTI in a telephonic interview.

Our men are deputed in the dedicated control rooms of states so that we are on the same page with the local authority in terms

of the information, work and tasking, he added.

NDRF has 12 battalions, each consisting of 1,150 personnel.

Pradhan said Bihar and Tamil Nadu have already sought its help for coronavirus prevention exercise.

On Thursday, the Bihar government had asked for two NDRF teams to be on standby in Patna and Munger for support to the local police and medical staff. Tamil Nadu called us to tend to segregation activities at railway stations, he said.

The force has so far trained nearly 28,000 personnel, including those from the CISF and other forces, and will continue with the routine every day, but in smaller batches to maintain social distancing.

Pradhan said the NDRF has been successful in clearing a lot of apprehension of the staff of other forces about the coronavirus safety precautions.

We have been preparing and training all the out-

NDRF personnel conduct a flag march creating awareness on COVID-19 in Noida Sector 18, on March 21, 2020.

ward-facing staff across the landports, airports and seaports for the last one month on how to wear PPEs, especially the gloves and masks and how to handle them, and the basic aspects of social distancing, the NDRF chief said.

Pradhan, who assumed charge in January last year, said personnel of the force are trained for medical first response (MFR) and prehospital treatment (PHT), and can function as the

facilitating arm of states for the frontline health workers.

We are not in the frontline like doctors or in the secondline like paramedics, but probably feature right after them... NDRF men can be of help at the quarantine centres or in places where there are mass cases, he said.

The Odisha-born IPS officer also said it will have enough personnel to respond to any natural di-

saster that may arise amid the COVID-19 crisis, notwithstanding the nearly 50 per cent of its strength in all readiness for a possible coronavirus call.

We will work in a collaborative model with the states for example, there will be a local policeman, a local medical professional, then there will be an NDRF personnel so that we can economise the whole exercise and judiciously use our force, Pradhan said.

SC allows sale of BS IV vehicles except for Delhi-NCR Delhi violence: Court

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): In a relief to automobile dealers, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed the sale of BS IV compliant vehicles for 10 days, except in Delhi-NCR, after the ongoing countrywide lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic is lifted.

The apex court, which had earlier fixed the deadline of March 31, 2020 for sale of BS IV compliant vehicles across the country, passed the order on a plea

by Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA), seeking extension of time for sale of inventory amid coronavirus scare and economic slowdown.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta, which heard the matter on Friday through video-conferencing, made it clear however that no BS IV vehicles will be allowed to be sold in Delhi-NCR from April 1, 2020.

It said that only 10 per cent of the unsold inventory of BS IV vehicles can be permitted to be sold during this 10-day period after the

lockdown, which has been enforced since March 24.

Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms are standards instituted by the government to regulate output of air pollutants from motor vehicles.

The BS-IV norms have been enforced across the country since April, 2017.

India has decided to switch to the world’s cleanest petrol and diesel from April 1 as it leapfrogs straight to Euro-VI emission compliant fuels from Euro-IV grades now - a feat achieved in just three years and not seen in any of the large economies around the globe.

The top court made it clear that BS IV compliant vehicles which have already been sold but not registered due to lockdown can be registered after the restrictions are lifted.

It asked the automobile dealers to submit on affidavit the details of sold and unsold inventories, within one week.

While Additional Solicitor General ANS Nadkarni, appeared for the Centre through video con-

ferencing from Goa, Senior Advocate K V Vishwanathan, appearing for FADA, linked up from his office here.

During the hearing, Vishwanathan said that the deadline needs to be extended due to the ongoing lockdown and economic slowdown faced by the country due to coronavirus pandemic.

He said that over 1.7 lakh passenger cars and 14,000 commercial vehicles amounting to Rs 7,000 crore are yet to be sold and sought time till May 31, to sell these BS IV vehicles.

The top court, however, said that it cannot keep extending time for BS IV vehicles and dealers should be ready to sacrifice and do something for the country’s environment.

Nadkar ni said that people might have faced hardship in registering their vehicles sold before March 31 due to the lockdown and therefore time till end of April or May, be provided.

The bench disposed of two applications filed by

FADA and Honda India seeking modification of apex court’s order of October 24, 2018, by which it had fixed the March 31, 2020 deadline for sale and registration of BS IV compliant vehicles.

On February 14, the top court had rejected the plea filed by an association of automobile dealers seeking extension of the March 31, 2020 deadline by one more month to sell Bharat Stage-IV norms compliant vehicles across the country.

The apex court had on October 24, 2018 said no Bharat Stage-IV vehicle would be sold or registered in India from April 1, 2020.

In 2016, the Centre had announced that India would skip the BS-V norms altogether and adopt BS-VI norms by 2020.

In its October 2018 order, the top court had said that any extension of time in introducing new emission norms would adversely impact the health of citizens as the pollution has reached an “alarming and critical” level.

grants bail to juvenile

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): Taking note of suspension of work in regular courts due to coronavirus pandemic, a Delhi court Friday granted bail to a juvenile who was arrested in connection with the recent communal violence in northeast Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Rampuri granted relief to the juvenile after his bone ossification test showed that his age was below 18 years.

The court directed him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 10,000 and one surety of like amount.

“Accordingly, in view of tender age of accused and suspension of work of regular courts and in view of the epidemic situation of Coronavirus, accused is granted bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 10,000 with one surety of like amount,” it said in its order.

Advocate Abdul Gaffar, appearing for the accused, had argued that he was 14 years old during

his arrest and was falsely implicated in the case. Five people were arrested in the case on February 28 from northeast Delhi’s Khajuri Khas area. Four of them are still in judicial custody.

A case has been registered against them for the offences under several sections including 148 (rioting armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 353 (assault public servant on duty) and 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance) of the Indian Penal Code and of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The offences entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after violence between citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled out of control leaving 44 people dead and around 200 injured.

Frenzied mobs had torched houses, shops, vehicles, a petrol pump and pelted stones at residents and police personnel.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 111 Dimapur, SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

Economy, poor locked-out

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ndia’s already-slowing economy weakened to at least an eight-year low this quarter and will slow even more sharply in the next six months due to the global coronavirus pandemic. It does not require an economist to tell that a complete social and economic lockdown of India for 21 days would severely impact the supply side of the economy, that is, production and distribution of goods and services, except for the essential items that are exempt. In an economy already reeling under a demand depression, rising unemployment, and lowering of industrial output and profits, all of which happening together for several quarters now, a supply-side constraint would deliver a big blow, jeopardising growth prospects and social and economic wellbeing of a large number of people.

What could be the magnitude of the impact of a complete social and economic shutdown may not be easy to estimate, but it is likely to be far more severe than either the 2016 demonetisation or the 2017 GST rollout. Nobody now disputes that those two events delivered economic shocks from which the economy had not yet recovered when the coronavirus pandemic struck. On March 24, prime minister Narendra Modi had personally announced the 21-day nationwide lockdown. The lockdown has affected not only the lives of people across India but led to loss of jobs and pushing the economy further on the brink of recession. The lockdown is going to surpass an earlier explosive announcement made by Modi. It may be recalled that while undertaking a surgical strike on the economy, the prime minister had employed a mid-night stealth attack to drop the demonetisation bombshell on the country. The demonetisation has caused a huge negative impact on the economy by slowing down manufacturing and driving out of business lakhs of entrepreneurs and millions employed in small and medium enterprises. The second Modi announcement- nationwide lockdown- is going to dwarf the bombshell announcement he made on November 8,2016. The impact of lockdown will be felt through several channels, weakening of domestic demand, disruption in supply chain and disruption in financial market. All of this would result in declining production and For the current fiscal year, economic growth was forecast to average 4.7 per cent and then slow sharply next fiscal year to 3.6 per cent - its most lacklustre rate since the global financial crisis. While that already shows a grim outlook and how quickly the coronavirus-led economic hit is becoming clear, economists said growth would be much weaker than currently predicted if the situation worsens. The hardest hit due to coronavirus impact are rickshaw drivers, itinerant produce peddlers, maids, daily wage laborers and other informal workers who form the backbone of the Indian economy and comprising around 85% of all employment, according to official data. Many buy food with the money they make each day and have no savings to fall back on. Untold numbers are now out of work and many families have been left struggling to eat. An overwhelming number of these daily wage earners are Inter-state migrants. The lockdown has led to exodus of lakhs for example from Delhi to UP or Rajasthan etc. If lockdown proves a failure then it could puncture the biggest hole in the nation’s economy while inviting potential deaths in thousands.

DailyDevotion Spiritual Vision Through Personal Character

Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place… —Revelation 4:1 A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be achieved through the higher practice of personal character. If you live up to the highest and best that you know in the outer level of your life, God will continually say to you, “Friend, come up even higher.” There is also a continuing rule in temptation which calls you to go higher; but when you do, you only encounter other temptations and character traits. Both God and Satan use the strategy of elevation, but Satan uses it in temptation, and the effect is quite different. When the devil elevates you to a certain place, he causes you to fasten your idea of what holiness is far beyond what flesh and blood could ever bear or achieve. Your life becomes a spiritual acrobatic performance high atop a steeple. You cling to it, trying to maintain your balance and daring not to move. But when God elevates you by His grace into heavenly places, you find a vast plateau where you can move about with ease. Compare this week in your spiritual life with the same week last year to see how God has called you to a higher level. We have all been brought to see from a higher viewpoint.

Never allow God to show you a truth which you do not instantly begin to live up to, applying it to your life. Always work through it, staying in its light. Your growth in grace is not measured by the fact that you haven’t turned back, but that you have an insight and understanding into where you are spiritually. Have you heard God say, “Come up higher,” not audibly on the outer level, but to the innermost part of your character? “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…?” (Genesis 18:17). God has to hide from us what He does, until, due to the growth of our personal character, we get to the level where He is then able to reveal it.

Quotes

“As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. ~ Nelson Mandela

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

Post-mortem

viruses and the human immune system

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n epidemic, where people of a large c o m mu n i t y a r e threatened by an infectious disease, is as bad as things can be; but an epidemic, where the disease threatens people on a global scale, is the worst scenario imaginable. The latest strain of the Coronavirus, HCoV-19 or SARS-CoV 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has caused a pandemic and a complimentary rise in panic levels.

What viruses do is enter your body and start invading body cells to making copies of itself. The cell is destroyed in this process and these copies are released and they enter more cells, making more copies and attacking and destroying more cells. This goes on until the human immune system begins to fight back and destroys all the viruses or is unable to cope, leading to death. Specific viruses attack specific body cells, so a virus which causes coughs will attack only your respiratory system (your nose, throat, bronchial tubes, lungs etc.) while the rabies virus will attack only your nervous system (your nerves, spinal cord, brain etc.).

What one must understand is that medicines and vaccines do not cure infections, our immune

system cures us. Specific medicines keep specific infection levels within manageable proportions until our immune system starts fighting back and specific vaccines train the immune system to fight against specific viruses.

The Human Immune System is part army, part memory bank. Viruses have specific molecules called antigens, these antigens help our bodies in recognizing that the virus is an alien invader. Viruses in the blood stream are swallowed and destroyed by white blood cells (WBCs), it is when viruses enters body cells, to make copies of itself, that the WBCs become ineffective. But the antigens trigger the immune system to start producing antibodies and Killer T-Cells.

The antibodies lock on to the virus, rendering it powerless to invade other cells, so that WBCs can mop them up, while the killer T-cells destroy the viruses.

Our immune systems keep a memory of every virus that has ever infected us.

The moment they identify a known virus, through its antigen, it starts producing antibodies and killer cells.

What a vaccine does is introduce dead or weakened dangerous viruses so that our immune system may

learn to produce suitable antibodies. It is when new viruses invade our bodies that the immune system takes time to identify the intruder and manufacture a suitable response.

The danger that a virus presents depends on various factors, some of which are: how it is transmitted, its longevity outside a host, its incubation/gestation period (how long it takes before one gets sick), its target or which part of the body it attacks, which sections of the population are vulnerable to it and its mortality/kill rate (how many people infected die of the infection).

Keeping the above factors in mind, let us examine the Coronavirus, HCoV19/SARS-CoV 2. (i) Transmission:The Coronavirus can be transmitted through air, but keeping a distance of around 1.5 metres (approximately 5 feet) from an infected person, prevents transmission of the virus.

The virus can be transmitted through contact with an infected person or surface, but only if you touch your mouth, nose or, possibly, eyes with the point of contact (e.g. your hands).

Vir uses are just a string of molecules covered by a layer of fat, washing your hands vigorously with

Coronavirus: Hope amidst isolation

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soap, while building up a lather (foam), for up to 20 seconds, in warm water, dissolves the layer of fat that protects the virus, and causes it to break down into harmless components. (ii) Longevity:- The Coronavirus can be active outside a host for 3 to 72 hours, depending on the surface it rests on. But you have to touch the contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose and eyes to get infected.

So, even if you believe that you’ve touched an infected person or material, avoiding touching mouth, nose and eyes and a thorough hand wash removes the danger of infection. (iii) Incubation/Gestation:- The virus takes between 1 to 14 days from when you were infected to when you start getting sick. So if you or anyone who has been exposed to the virus does not get sick by the end of the 14th. day, you’re safe. (iv) Target:- The virus targets your respiratory system, mainly your lungs.

This causes shortness of breath, which means that your body is not receiving sufficient oxygen. Lack of oxygen can cause your internal organs to fail, resulting in death. (v) Vulnerability:- Although the virus can infect anyone, only elderly people

and people with pre-existing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart problems etc. are in grave danger. (vi) Mortality/Kill Rate:- Compared to some strains of the Ebola and Marburg Viruses (upto 90 and 80 % mortality respectively), the Coronavirus is much less dangerous. Out of 100 people infected, only 20 need hospitalization. Of the 20 hospitalized, about 3 to 5 die, and these deaths have only occurred among the elderly and those suffering from pre-existing medical conditions.

From the above points, we can see that it is not the Coronavirus, but our total unpreparedness for it, that is the cause of all the fear and panic. Respirators are needed to keep patients alive until the immune system finds a suitable response, health care professionals need protective gear to stay safe.

When patients are hospitalized in the hundreds and thousands, and with even the best and largest hospitals having only a limited amount of respirators and protective gear; the health care systems of the affected countries are overwhelmed . Every loss of human life is a tragedy, but in terms of the actual danger to mankind, Malaria and HIV still lead.

The lockdown by our

State Government and subsequent lockdown of India by the Central Government are good steps.

The isolation created by the lockdown will help identify individuals and pockets of infection so that corrective measures can be taken. But the Government of Nagaland, at least, must make immediate provisions for the poor and daily wage workers. A system of providing them with provisions during the period of the lockdown must be implemented immediately.

In ending, I would like to inform the police and colony/village volunteers enforcing the lockdown that you have no authority to beat anyone violating the lockdown. The lockdown is based on the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, violation of which attracts penalty under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, which prescribes a fine ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000 and imprisonment from 1 to 6 months, penalties which can only be imposed by a magistrate. Arrest them or caution them, beating them opens you to charges of assault.

Kahuto Chishi Sumi Akukau, Hevishe Village, Khaghaboto Range, Dimapur Kahuto107@gmail.com

positivity in times of pandemics

oday, the world is going God of hope crosses the borders s we go through lockdown, have taken over the truth. It has home due to lockdowns, nature has through an unimagina- of color and creed. The God of let us retrospect on how to gradually become a threat inciting begun to breathe. So does the flora ble degree of impending hope stands above the politics think positively and over- fear, panic and worrying the mass and fauna, which are relishing threat and pain. This micro- of power. Can humanity learn come the situation. Yes, Can this than the actual virus itself. As a their share of Mother Nature, with scopic virus is impartial—it a lesson? spares no color, creed, or class.

Closer home, to the fol- pandemic help us change how we responsible citizen, all said and freedom. Social media has been In the most unfamiliar and odd lowers of Christ in our regions, think and act for the better? One done, it is imperative that we use flooded with pictures and videos which show that birds, wildlife manner, it is unitinghumanity our prayers to the God of hope way to think about the pandemic the lockdown period effectively. is in terms of humanity coming It is often said that nature and aquatic species that were not amidst all our differences. For must be seized by hope amidst once, in our generation, the the hopelessness of the present together to fight a natural threat has its own ways of reminding hu- daring to venture into human terworld is in agreement that this world. To have such a hope is to in the form of a virus. As I study mankind that it needs to preserve ritory have started to appear in the present virus must be eradicated stop at nothing, but to find no for days about this virus, I find this and respect resources. And more open. World has slowed down, so at all cost. Nations have invested break until all creation witnesses thought both inspiring and absurd. broadly, our view of ‘Nature’ has nature is breathing a sign of relief. I huge sums of money to combat God’s transformational work of To remind that all the money in radically separated from humanity think we don’t have to die for such a dangerous battle of a different a new heaven and a new earth. the world, the top countries and over the last decades and that’s ar- things to happen. But we do have nature. It seems, even if only Such is indeed the promising scientists, the world most powerful guably to blame for climate change, to significantly rethink our lifestyle leaders, the best medical experts which even scientists have sug- and our role within the planet. for a brief period, nations with future in the God of hope.

During this pandemic, all differing political and religious Now, what can we do? Ev- come into conclusion that they are gested makes it easier for viruses all vulnerable, worried to address to spread.

Corona virus pandemic my thoughts and mind reflect on ideologies are converging on ery Christian without boundara common cause for humanity. ies, and particularly Christians this disease. On the other hand, has triggered panic globally, forc- the words written on the packages And yet, numerous predic- in Nagaland state and the rest this threat is impersonal; we all ing a majority of global population from China to Italy containing tions are being circulated in of our ancestral lands, let us act know that it does not look for indoors. If there is one thing phi- protective masks: “We are waves status, colour, caste, creed etc. it is losophy can do quite effectively it of the same sea, leaves of the same mass media, by everyone from immediately. religious prophets to economists • Let us get down on our real and that’s the many reasons, it is to unearth our implicit, habitual trees, flowers of the same garden.” to scientists from reputable insti- knees to begin a prayer vigil from became a human versus everything vision of the world and show us Humanity will eventually halt the spread of the virus, but its effect tutions, each warning us of the today onward for the interven- that is neither human nor human- what follows. made.

Perhaps, all the more reaThinking of life on earth as is going to be felt for generations. potential for full-scale disruption tion of the God of hope in the and devastation that will inevita- world. Every Christian can sons, sense of unity originated in a unified, non hierarchical and The past few weeks have demself-sustaining system, beyond onstrated humans can, and will, bly impact all of us. Indeed, our voluntarily mobilize our colo- the same worldview.

We are back in the narrowone’s individualism. Today, many radically alter habits, lifestyles situation is frightening! nies, villages, and churchesto Whatever one is saying in begin a chain of prayer. Can est of circles: me vs. you, many environmentalists claim to dislike and patterns of behaviour when such a time as this, as a servant all of us pray until this virus is people felt that their freedom was humans from the perspective of needed. Lockdown and quarantine threatened and started to assert the whole planet and the damage for someone like me may not be a of God, I write this to my dear defeated? sisters and brothersin our respec• Let us also continue to their individuality in various ways. we have done to Earth. Perhaps huge sacrifice. But as I write this, I tive lockdowns and isolation. In use common sense and listen to Some disagreed with the necessity some people welcome or at least hope isolation and lockdown can these times,we can turn to the the recommendations of health of cancelling group gatherings and accept pandemics for that reason. also be an opportunity for reflecApostle Paul, who, two millen- experts. Instead of gathering in organised unofficial ones them- Yet if we place ourselves closer tion, change and healing period. nia ago, experienced much of the groups, let us find ways to pray selves. Others continued to go out to individual suffering, we may These thoughts about who we same fear and despair, anxiety at home, and perhaps connect and live as they always did. It is a struggle to keep that view: the di- are as individuals and as parts of and panic, illness and death online, until a more secure time wrong conception to assume that rector of a hospital in Italy nearly a large, wonderful web of life. To that we experience today. Writ- comes our way to physically con- freedom is to do as we choose, and broke down when interviewed on build on a new hobby or refreshed ing in his Second Epistle to the gregate for worship and fellow- that is contrasted with being told TV, talking about the deaths he on the lost hobbies. To turn on the Corinthians, Paul speaks about ship. Given thecircumstances, what to do. But there is another witnesses relentlessly every day. pages of our relationship that we going through many troubles, it is not a sin to cancel Sunday route to freedom, which goes back Can the two perspectives, being failed with our family and God. Tofacing“great pressure, far beyond worship gatherings. Equally, it to the notions about oneself as part of the whole and caring wards being good and doing good. our ability to endure.”It is only is wrong to coerce believers to part of something larger. It could for individuals, be reconciled? To act, think and live positively. To on Christ, Paul writes, where inflict guilt upon others for not mean accepting some discomfort Sometimes this possibility runs get onto a book of life (Bible) or be “we have set our hope” (2 Cor- attending church services in and boredom to protect someone up against conflicting interests and inspired from a writer. To build on else. Yet, whatever be the doubts resistance. Sometimes it does not: our faith more sincerely, honestly inthians 1: 8-11). Similarly, in person.

• Let us continue to ob- and disagreement, let us not forget we have, with a smile, seen pictures and stronger than ever. And lastly, his letter to the Romans, Paul assuredly testifies in the “God serve social distancing and that our enemy is invisible and of dolphins reclaiming the waters to recover the quiet time that we honor the lockdown seriously. thus, nothing beats social distanc- near Mumbai and pollution levels have missed out. God be with us of hope” (Romans 14: 13).

Indeed, today in a frantic Remember, this is not about ing. By staying indoors, we will not returning to normalcy in many all. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE, world, Paul triumphantly re- politics. It is for our safety. In only keep ourselves safe, we will cities. Now when so many of us, SAVE LIVES. Kotso Medo, minds us that our God is a God the same light, let us continue also do our bit in healing nature. who were moving out regularly Diphupar B,5th mile. of hope. So often, the world has to educatethose who remain cal- During this few days after the on their vehicles, public transport, Dimapur, Nagaland. banked on the gods of econom- lous to the threat of the virus. outbreak, rumours and fake news working at factories, are staying at • Let us continue to be ics, nuclear supremacy, and politics. Humanity in good times stewards for each other. If not have deified gods of success and already, soon some members of beauty—apathetic gods with our congregations will be experino motion and feeling. How is ence mental strains due to this Paul’s God so different? Amidst pandemic. Pastors, counselors, hopelessness, Paul’s God of and teachers: let usshare our hope encounters the hopeless in time, and our mobile numbers, Sir Was happy to see people enthusiastically participating in appreciating by way of clapping, beating God’s promises of life eternal. with those that will critically require us. utensils, plates etc to the call of our honourable Prime Minister. However, going through the news papers, This God of hope gives us peace During this Good Fridays WhatsApp and television interviews it seems that we are not technically prepared. It’s an urgent wakeup and a clear vision of a future as bright as sunrise. In such a of the world, the God of hope call to all the stakeholders to be mentally technically and medically be prepared for any eventuality. time as this, the God of hope assures the world of the Easter. Secondly, was shocked to see traffic police stopping vehicular movements plying despite lockdown order breaks through the walls of fear Again, I call upon God’s people given by the authority. It is time now for us Nagas to learn to be a responsible citizen, if not then where and despair. The God of hope to act immediately in faith to- is our education? All the medias constantly providing messages and warnings that the only Solution is self Quarantine at home. It’s high time to Wakeup. May God give Wisdom to all. Amen. destroys boundaries imagined wards victory! Amen.

Wati Aier Ashi.Aier to set us apart from others. The Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

A

Reader’s Post A wake up call

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

SC hearings via video-conference

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (IANS): For the first time in its history the Supreme Court Friday began conducting hearings through video conferencing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a threeweek nationwide lockdown to contain the outbreak of coronavirus.

The apex court decided to go virtual, as a measure to discourage overcrowding by lawyers and litigants on its premises, especially in the backdrop of rising coronavirus cases in the country. Three benches held proceedings today.

Justice D Y Chandrachud sat at 11 am to hear 11 urgent matters. The second bench comprising Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice Aniruddha Bose, sat at 1 pm to hear seven urgent matters. Finally, the last bench comprising Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Deepak Gupta began hearing at 3 pm, only two matters are listed before this bench.

The judges heard the cases from their residential offices, while the lawyers’ argued from their chamber at their residence through video conferencing. The

Supreme Court apex court had given a link to the lawyers’ to access the video conferencing facility, and assured that urgent matters will be taken up.

The Supreme Court is a place where lawyers and litigants from across the country visit, and following social distancing was a difficult task.

Initially, the Supreme Court decided to limit its functioning by reducing the regular benches from 15 to 5. It was an initiative to reduce the number of people and prevent overcrowding of people on the court complex, but after the alarming

rise in coronavirus positive cases the top court decided to go completely virtual.

The apex court in a circular said since the prevailing situation demands that persons be discouraged from undertaking any kind of journey/travel, Supreme Court Registry is taking all steps necessary to conduct the hearings through remote video conferencing (VC) links.

“Hence AORs/Partiesin-persons are advised to refrain from exercising the option of participating in the hearing through VC link facility available at the

Docs should remain at their posting places: Jacob (From p-1) On his part, Dimapur DC Anoop Kinchi apprised the minister and advisers on the preparedness and preventive steps and measures being taken to contain the spread of COVID-19.

He informed the meeting that presently there were 60 people under quarantine, adding they were being taken care by the district administration.

Kinchi said all ambulances had been requisitioned, out of which 10 has been earmarked for COVID19 cases. New DC office Chumukedima would also be converted into COVID-

19 hospital in case of emergency, he added.

Considering the situation, Dimapur Police commissioner Rothihu Tetseo proposed a complete shutdown and activating Essential Commodity Task Force to meet emergency needs, provided the State Government agreed.

Dimapur chief medical officer Pangjung Sangtam apprised the meeting about the logistics set in place in the district. He said so far 96 isolation beds had been identified and eight isolation beds with ventilators kept in place. He said 18 ambulances (both government and pri-

vate) had been requisitioned and their drivers trained and their numbers noted.

DMC administrator Albert Ezung highlighted the activities undertaken by the municipal body, including sanitation covering 96 colonies and market places and daily sweeping. He said spraying of disinfectants, including at quarantined places, had started on Thursday. He expressed concern over the safety of sanitation workers, to which the meeting advised the medical department to take necessary steps for safety of all frontline workers. This was stated in a DIPR release.

One held for making hoax call to police THANE, MAR 27 (PTI): A 50-year-old man was arrested on Friday from Bhiwandi in the district for allegedly making a hoax call to the police.

According to the official, the Thane police control room received a phone call in the wee hours of Friday in which the caller claimed that two women and a man had been murdered and their bodies were being taken in a vehicle to a “He also told the police that the bodies would be kept at a hospital in Kamathghar area in Bhiwandi. The police immediately launched

a search operation, but failed to find any such hospital as mentioned by the caller,” Police said.

Although the police found a car with the registration number as mentioned by the caller, they did not find anything inside, he added.

“The accused, Krishna Mahadev Chevale, a resident of Bramhand Nagar of Bhiwandi, was later traced and arrested.

He told the police that he had made the hoax call without any specific motive,” Shinde said.

SC premises for the present, as that would entail unnecessary and avoidable travel through public spaces”, added the circular.

The apex court authorities said the AOR are requested not to share VC link with anybody. “Sharing of link will deactivate the original link shared with AOR on his e-mail.

Only one link well be activated for VC”, said the court.

The circular said that for all matters involving extreme urgency, the AOR/ Party-in-person is first required to file the petition/ misc. application, preferably through the e-filing mode available on the SC website.

“Thereafter, and upon completion of all formalities as per rules governing such petition/miscellaneous application, the AOR/Party-in-person is permitted to file separately the signed and verified application containing a synopsis of extreme urgency not exceeding one page, at mention.sc@sci.nic.in, as per procedure detailed in para. 3 of the said Circular dated March 23,” said the circular.

Railways appeals staff to donate one-day’s pay NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (IANS): Keeping in view the novel coronavirus crisis across the country, the Railways urged its 13.5 lakh employees to voluntarily donate one-day salary to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to help combat the disease.

The Railway Board, in its letter to all the General Managers, said that as the country was threatened by the pandemic, a national disaster had been declared, leading to invocation of statutory provisions of Disaster Management Act. “The Board has taken note of the fact that the likely intensity and spread of disease necessitate mobilization of all possible help and contribution from every source.

Therefore, those of us who are more fortunately placed have a very special responsibility in this hour of gravest crisis. “Railwaymen has always stood up and extended their helping hand in such hour of distress. In the past also railwaymen had shown their solidarity and generosity by contributing a day’s basic pay to provide support to needy people,” it said.

7

‘Undeclared truce’ between Maoists, security forces in J’khand RANCHI, MAR 27 (IANS): An “undeclared ceasefire” between Maoist rebels and security forces seems to be in place in Jharkhand in the wake of coronavirus spread, police sources said on Friday.

The Maoists have gone underground after the coronavirus outbreak, sources said, adding the state police has not noticed any movement of the rebels in the last five days.

“There has been negligible movement of Maoists in the state in the last one week. Security forces are regularly tracking their movement,” a police source told IANS. Jharkhand has been in lockdown ever since Prime Minister declared ‘Janata curfew’ across the country a few days ago.

The “negligible movement” of Maoists closely follows killing of 17 security personnel in neighbouring Chhattisgarh last week.

“Maoists might have gone underground, but they can strike anytime. We are on alert considering the Chhattisgarh incident. The security forces involved in

Photo for representation. (File) anti-Maoist operations have been sent for testing out of not been diverted for law which 117 have so far tested and order situation. The negative while results of the local police is enforcing the rest are awaited. lockdown in the state,” said On Thursday a total the police source. of 27 samples were collectMaoist rebels are active ed, including 3 each from in 18 of the 24 districts of Bokaro and Dhanbad, 2 Jharkhand. Sources, how- from Hazaribagh, one from ever, also attribute the “neg- Millitary Hospital Namligible movement” of the kum, 4 from East Singhbrebels to the fact that since hum, 7 from Ranchi, 1 from all development works, espe- Saraikela and 2 from West cially mining, have come to a Singhbhum. halt following the lockdown, The Jharkhand health the rebels who extort money, department has put up 557too, have fallen silent. bed isolation ward for coroJharkhand has so far navirus patients. Out of not reported any positive these 96 are in Medical CVOID 19 case.

Colleges, 200 are in Sadar As per the latest data re- Hospital and another 261 in leased by the health depart- private hospitals. The state ment a total of 137 samples has also prepared 1,469-bed of suspected patients had quarantine centres.

Spurt in cyberattacks since ‘work from home’ protocol began

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): There has been an increase in the number of cyberattacks on personal computer networks and routers since professionals were asked to work from home in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the national cyber security agency said on Friday.

“Cyber criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak as an opportunity to send phishing emails claiming to have important updates or encouraging donations, impersonating trustworthy organisations,” the CERT-In said in its latest advisory to internet users.

The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) said the phenomenon has been witnessed as many organisations have asked their staff to work from home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus that has claimed thousands of live worldwide and infected millions.

“Switching to remote working because of the COVID-19 can create cyber

security problems for employers and employees.

“There is an increase in the number of cyberattacks on computers, routers and unprotected home networks used by employees who have switched to remote working due to the spread of COVID-19,” it said.

With most employees working from home, the agency said, enterprise VPN servers have now become paramount to a company’s backbone, and their security and availability must be the focus for IT (information technology) teams.

“It is important that the VPN service is patched and up-to-date because there will be way more scrutiny against these services,” it added.

The CERT-In also suggested some countermeasures and best security practices in this context: Change default passwords of your home Wi-Fi router to prevent hackers from accessing your network; use strong and unique passwords on every account and device and use two-factor authentication (2FA).

Photo for representation.

Some other counter- your company would typimeasures include: Not al- cally use to share files and lowing sharing of work refrain from using your computers and other devic- personal email or 3rd party es. When employees bring services unless reliably inwork devices home, those formed otherwise,” it adddevices should not be shared ed. with or used by anyone else It is recommended that in the home, it said. even remote user activity “This reduces the risk is covered by the organisaof unauthorised or inad- tion’s perimeter security vertent access to protected tools, the advisory said. company information,” the “Ensure that remote advisory stated. sessions automatically time It asked users to update out after a specified period VPNs, network infrastruc- of inactivity and that they ture devices, and devices require re-authentication to being used to remote into gain access,” the CERT-In work environments with the said. latest software patches and It also urged IT teams security configurations. of the organisations to “Only use software remind employees of the

types of information that they need to safeguard.

“This often includes information such as confidential business information, trade secrets, protected intellectual property and other personal information,” the advisory said.

“Also, ‘remember password’ functions should always be turned off when employees are logging into company information systems and applications from their personal devices,” it said.

A specific suggestion for IT teams was to “consider Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM).”

“These tools can allow organisations to remotely implement a number of security measures, including data encryption, malware scans, and wiping data on stolen devices,” it said.

The CERT-In is the country’s nodal agency to combat cyberattacks like hacking and phishing and is also mandated to fortify the security of the country’s internet domain.

Mass exodus nullify social distancing under lockdown Renowned artist Satish Gujral dies

NEW DELHI, MAR 27(PTI): Police across the country stepped up their vigil to ensure there was no violation of prohibitory orders on the third day of the national lockdown on Friday but faced thousands of migrant workers who were massed in Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border and desperate to reach their homes.

Authorities were also working on ways to ease the hardships faced by migrant workers, who stare at loss of livelihood, trudging long distances back to their villages and also try fix the bottlenecks in movement of essential supplies.

The migrant workers gathered at Ghazipur were sent to the UP side of the border by police in batches and they appeared prepared to walk long distances in case no help was forthcoming to ferry them in public transport.

Around 40 migrant labourers working in Mumbai were also caught in Thane for allegedly trying to escape in a truck to Uttar Pradesh.

The 21-day coronavirus lockdown in force since Wednesday has triggered a mass exodus of migrant workers across the country since the last few days.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to some of the chief ministers and asked them to look into the

issue of the mass exodus.

In an advisory, the Union Home Ministr y asked state governments to prevent a mass exodus of migrant agriculture labourers, industrial workers and unorganised sector employees from their workplaces to hometowns.

The advisory to all states and Union territories said they should also make arrangements for uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to hotels and working women hostels so that they continue to live in existing facilities.

“The home ministry has issued an advisory to States/UTs to prevent mass exodus of migrant agricultural labourers, industrial workers and unorganised sector workers, so as to prevent the spread of COVID19,” an official spokesperson said.

The states and union territories have also been advised to make these vulnerable groups aware of measures taken by the government, including provision of free food grains and other essential items through PDS, and streamline the procedures.

“This would help prevent the exodus of such people,” the spokesperson said.

SpiceJet CMD Ajay Singh said the airline is ready to operate some flights

from Delhi and Mumbai to Patna to alleviate the suffering of migrant workers, especially those from Bihar.

Panic Amid reports of violation of prohibitory orders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to K Palaniswami and BS Yeddiruappa, chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively, urging them to enforce strictly the national lockdown and ensure availability of essential commodities for the people.

“Morning at 9:30 Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to me and said despite lockdown in Karnataka aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19, people are still coming out and commuting and instructed that proper bandobast has to be made. We have discussed regarding this,” Yeddiruappa told reporters in Bengaluru.

Amid concerns over availability of essential supplies, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said it is regularly engaging with retailers and e-commerce companies to ensure that the supply chain of essential goods is not disrupted and various facilities continue to function smoothly.

Industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) also alleged that telecom operators are

facing issues in maintaining networks as their employees on duty are being harassed and even beaten by police in some states.

The government has kept telecom services in the list of essential services in order to support work from home during the lockdown period.

Amid reports of movement of food delivery vehicles encountering problems from the police, a truck driver in Patna was shot at by police for allegedly refusing to pay bribe for his potato-laden truck to pass.

A senior police officer said three police constables were arrested and sent to jail.

People in several places threw the concept of social distancing to the wind by crowding at kirana stores and local markets.

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government will close down markets in Guwahati to avoid overcrowding after people jostled to get essential items despite the advice of social distancing in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

Fancy Bazar, the main commercial hub of the Northeast, was chock-ablock with people knocking each other to buy food items, vegetables, meat and fish.

Tempos, trucks, private vehicles, rickshaws and

hand-carts blocked the roads near the market, seeming to be just any other usual working day.

There were similar scenes in other markets in the city and other districts in the state.

In Madhya Pradesh, a Muslim cleric and 27 others were booked for defying lockdown restrictions and offering prayers at a mosque in Bhopal city. Police said the Imam of Zainab Masjid in Islampura and others organised a prayer at 8 pm on Thursday, violating prohibitory orders.

Earlier in Kerala, two Catholic priests were booked for breaching the restrictions by conducting mass in a Church.

And in an incident apparently linked to the lockdown, police said a 38year-old daily wage labourer In Thrissur in Kerala committed ‘suicide’ allegedly frustrated over not getting liquor and after struggling with withdrawal symptoms.

Sanoj, a painting worker, was found hanging from a tree next to his house, a police officer said.

“In our preliminary investigation, his family told us that he was frustrated over the closing of liquor shops. He was showing withdrawal symptoms as he was not getting alcohol for last two days,” the officer said.

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): Satish Gujral, one of India’s best known artists and architects, has died in his Delhi home, his family said on Friday. He was 94.

Gujral, who was renowned for his versatility across different mediums, died on Thursday night of old age reasons.

He was the brother of former prime minister I K Gujral and is survived by his wife Kiran, daughters Alpana and Raseel and son Mohit. “The noted painter and architect passed away peacefully at 10.30 last night in his home. He died of old age,” the artist’s nephew and Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral told PTI. Gujral, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour, was an architect, painter, muralist, sculptor and graphic artist.

His ar tworks were heavily inspired by the turbulence of his early years, including the illness that impaired his hearing as a child and the Partition of the subcontinent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the artist, who was born in 1925 in Jhelum in pre-Partition west Punjab and not just witnessed the division of the country but also helped several refugees cross the border safely.

Satish Gujral “Satish Gujral Ji was versatile and multifaceted.

He was admired for his creativity as well as the determination with which he overcame adversity,” Modi wrote on Twitter.

He said Gujral’s intellectual thirst took him far and wide, yet he remained attached to his roots.

“Saddened by his demise. Om Shanti,” the prime minister added.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the nation would always remember Gujral’s contributions in the field of art and culture.

“May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

Gujral’s familiar works include the alphabet mural on the outside wall of the Delhi High Court. He also designed the Belgian Embassy in Delhi.

He received his training in art first at Lahore’s

Mayo School of Art and then at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai. One of the major turning points in his artistic career was when he got a scholarship to travel to Mexico. His interactions with Mexican painter Diego Riviera went on have a deep influence on his work.

“Unlike many of his peers, who went to Paris or London in the early 1950s, Gujral went to Mexico City to study with Diego Rivera and Siqueiros. Gujral’s was a versatile practice spanning painting, sculpture and architecture. RIP,” curator and artist Ranjit Hoskote said on Twitter.

Adwaita Gadnayak, director general of Delhi’s National Gallery of Modern Art, said the artist’s brilliance lay in his “ability to use his creativity to the fullest in many forms and ways”.

8

business/state Cargo flights to NE, NFR operates speed of the recovery will goods trains depend on to what extent

Moody’s slashes India GDP growth

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): Moody’s Investors Service on Friday slashed its estimate of India’s GDP growth during 2020 calendar year to 2.5 per cent, from an earlier estimate of 5.3 per cent and said the coronavirus pandemic will cause unprecedented shock to the global economy.

The estimate for 2020 compares to 5 per cent economic growth in 2019.

In its Global Macro Outlook 2020-21, Moody’s said India is likely to see a sharp fall in incomes at the estimated 2.5 per cent growth rate, further weighing on domestic demand and the pace of recovery in 2021.

“In India, credit flow to the economy already remains severely hampered because of severe liquidity constraints in the bank and non-bank financial sectors,” it said.

Earlier this week, India imposed a three-week long nationwide lockdown, the most far-reaching measure undertaken by any government to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed at least 17 people in the country so far.

The lockdown has resulted in closure of businesses as well as factories and temporary unemployment for thousands of workers.

The lockdown followed suspension of train, flight and long distance bus services last week.

The number of deaths

around the world linked to the new coronavirus has crossed over 24,000. In India, over 700 coronavirus cases have been reported so far.

Moody’s said the global economy will contract in 2020, followed by a pickup in 2021. “We have revised our global growth forecasts downward for 2020 as the rising economic costs of the coronavirus shock, particularly in advanced economies, and the policy responses to combat the downturn are becoming clearer,” it said.

Moody’s now expects real GDP in the global economy to contract by 0.5 per cent in 2020, followed by a pickup to 3.2 per cent in 2021.

In November last year, before the emergence of the coronavirus, the rating agency was expecting the global economy to grow by 2.6 per cent this year.

“Our forecasts reflect the severe curtailment of economic activity in recent days as the coronavirus has spread throughout the

world,” it said. “Lockdowns and other social distancing measures have expanded throughout advanced and emerging market countries.”

“Financial sector volatility has exploded to levels last seen during the 2008 global financial stress, despite the expectation of rapid policy response from major central banks and governments,” it said.

The financial market stress is a reflection of deep anxiety and uncertainty around the real economic costs that households and businesses around the world will bear.

The severe compression in demand over the next two to four months will likely be unprecedented. Moreover, the widespread loss of income for businesses and individuals across countries will have a multiplier effect throughout the global economy.

“Over the next few months, job losses will likely rise across countries,” Moody’s said adding “the

job losses and loss of revenue to businesses is permanent or temporary.”

E ve n i n c o u n t r i e s where governments are in a position to provide support through large and targeted measures, some small businesses and vulnerable individuals in less-stable jobs will likely experience severe financial distress, it said adding fiscal and monetary authorities are increasingly stepping up the level of support to their respective economies.

Fiscal measures include immediate support to households in the form of tax relief and transfers, credit lines and subsidies to businesses, and explicit government guarantees on bank loans.

Indian government too on Thursday announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package including free foodgrains and cash to poor, for the next three months.

Moody’s said central banks are taking actions aimed at ensuring ample liquidity in the financial system, that credit conditions do not overly tighten, credit continues to flow smoothly to households and businesses, and the banking system remains robust.

“For central banks, limiting the duration of the shock to one or two quarters is also imperative to prevent it from manifesting into a banking or broader financial sector crisis,” it said.

Nagaland: 13 test negative, 4 reports awaited (From p-1) He reiterated the commitment of the H&FW department to address the problems and assist any need-based requirement on priority basis to fight the pandemic.

He mentioned that Kohima deputy commissioner and superintendent of police visited the quarantine facility at Meriema on Friday to review the progress, while the principal secretary, home inspected the COVI D-19 Hospital at Chedema.

Efforts had also been made to expedite delivery of essential medical equipments and accessories, including airlifting of con-

Crossword 5

Su doku

KAKURO

signments, with the help of Government of India, he added.

The spokesperson claimed that availability of essential commodities across the State continued to be normal, adding that as and when shortage of any particular commodity was anticipated, the district administration was taking corrective actions in advance so that the stock was available. He thanked citizens for following the various measures imposed for enforcing lockdown in the State, adding that government understood that the lockdown measures could be creating difficulties and

hardships, but emphasised that the lockdown was vital for ensuring that COVID-19 did not spread.

Kronu appealed for continued co-operation from all village councils, colonies and wards in towns and faith-based organisations during this lockdown period. He said the government had received requests from people presently outside the State seeking help and intervention for the hardships faced by them because of the countrywide lockdown.

In this regard, he claimed that suitable and prompt actions were being taken in coordination with authorities of the States they

No. 4155 Yesterday’s solution No. 4154

No. 3181 Yesterday’s solution No. 3180

RBI announces relief on EMI payments, cuts interest rates in Covid-19 measures

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (AGENCIES): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Friday permitted banks, NBFCs (including housing finance companies) and other financial institutions to allow a threemonth moratorium on payment of installments on term loans in view of the disruption caused the coronavirus outbreak.

Deferment will not impact credit history of the bor-

rower, RBI said.

Financial institutions have been allowed to shift repayment schedule and all subsequent due dates, as also the tenor for such loans, across the board by three months, in respect of all term loans outstanding as on March 1, 2020.

However, the lending institutions have to put in place a board approved policy in this regard, “All commercial banks (including

regional rural banks, small finance banks and local area banks), co-operative banks, all-India Financial Institutions, and NBFCs (including housing finance companies and micro-finance institutions) (“lending institutions”) are being permitted to allow a moratorium of three months on payment of instalments in respect of all term loans outstanding as on March 1, 2020.

ASTD concerned over lack of PPE Stranded train passengers...

were stuck to sort out the issue, adding that State Level Control Room on COVID19 was functioning 24x7 since March 25. He said anyone having any grievance or facing any problem regarding availability of essential commodities, goods and services, transport and any other issue due to the lockdown could call on 0370 2291122 and 0370 2291120.

For any health-related matters regarding COV1D19, he said one could call on the control room numbers of H&FW department – 70994 35243, 98560 71745, 70055 39653 – or on the national toll-free number 1075.

No. 9536 Yesterday’s solution No. 9535

GUWAHATI, MAR 27 (IANS): Air India would operate special cargo flights to the northeastern region of India to ferry the commodities required to deal with the novel coronavirus treatment and other public emergency, top Airport Authority of India official said on Friday.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has also been operating freight trains in most of the northeastern states, including Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram to maintain the availability of the essential commodities in the hilly northeastern region.

Airport Authority of India (AAI) Regional Executive Director (NER) Sanjeev Jindal said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation took the decision considering the situation of urgent need to transport medicine, medical emergency equipment, protective gears, accessories in small quantities, even water and essential commodities.

He said that to address the seamless movement of air cargo, a high level committee has been constituted with secretaries of various central government ministries.

“The committee is empowered to hire dedicated charter flights for the air cargo purpose,” Jindal said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

DIMAPUR, MAR 28 (NPN): Expressing disappointment over the low-level preparedness of the state government and the present status of medical department, the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) said it was worried about the lack of personal protection equipment for doctors and nurses in the state besides scientific testing laboratory, ventilators, tools and kits.

In a press release, ASTD president L Wati Jamir said that though various precautionary measures have been issued, the state government should rapidly procure medical supplies.

Further, ASTD opined that the health minister should take charge of the entire system and monitor the effective implementation so as to prevent and control possible speared of COVID-19.

It also stated that the state government besides ensuring strict implementation of lockdown must look into the plight of downtrodden families that solely depend on daily wage earnings.

ASTD suggested that government initiate distribution of essential commodities and other basic needs besides providing medical aids etc so that no one dies of starvation.

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(From p-1) The medical team urged the stranded passengers to maintain distance, use masks and sanitize their hands, besides asking to contact the team, if anyone had any health issue.

Five rooms at the hostel are now being occupied by 23 males and 17 females, and most of them are from Mon district. One athletic coach, along with a worker, is taking care of the mess.

Meanwhile, stating that Dimapur district administration had set up a food bank to help the needy in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DC said any person willing to donate could contact 60099 24366 for more details.

He said the administration had also set up a community kitchen to help the homeless, stranded passengers, people in distress and those in need of help, adding the public had been informed to contact at the number provided above for any queries.

Further, the administration had also set up helpline numbers – 87944 42024 for essential commodities, 87875 51751 for ambulance service and 89747 96425 for price hike issue.

Police struggle with citizens, not COVID-19 in Kohima Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 27 (NPN): Showing scant regard to repeated appeals made by the State government and throwing caution to the wind, many residents here on Friday loitered around on the pretext of buying essential commodities and did not maintain the mandatory “social distance” advised by the administration.

And putting their lives to risk, Kohima district administration officials and police personnel were seen on the road struggling to control the people on the roads than the COVID-19 pandemic itself. Interacting with Nagaland Post, some security personnel on duty said people were still loitering around in the town and showed least concerned with the lockdown announced by the government. They lamented that most of the citizens did not seem to have

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any concern for the security personnel who were on duty risking their lives for them and opined that prohibitory orders should be imposed in Kohima under 144 CrPC for successful implementation of lockdown,.

One policeman said people came out to buy a kilo or half a kilo of vegetables just because they did not want to stay at home, without realizing the danger to his /her life and the danger he post to others as well due to his irresponsible conduct. True to the comments of the security forces, people were seen making beelines in grocery shops without maintaining the social distance.

Many police personnel were also seen on duty without masks and hand cloves and not using hand sanitizers. When inquired, it was learnt that the authorities had only issued them masks.

Skeletal post services DIMAPUR, MAR 27 (NPN): In view of the prevailing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nagaland postal division has informed that the skeletal services would be provided at the post offices in Nagaland including financial related transactions of Post Office Saving Bank and India Post Payments Bank.

In a press release, superintendent of post offices BidhanCh Das has stated that customers facing difficulty in availing the mentioned postal services could contact him at 8837006449 and also A.Akha Agnes, IPO (PG), DO, Kohima (8415955048) and John Angami, Accountant, DO, Kohima (9436434323) for assistance.

Further, the customers could send their grievances to official email ID: sponagaland@gmail.com

World losing COVID-19 war: UN chief U n i t e d Nat i o n s, Mar 27 (IANS): While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told the Group of 20 (G20) leaders on Thursday, “We are at war with a virus -- and not winning,” UN entities around the world are unrelenting in providing aid to fight COVID-19. “This war needs a wartime plan to fight it,” he told a virtual meeting of G20 leaders.

“Solidarity is essential among the G20 and with the developing world, including countries in conflict,” the UN chief said on Thursday.

“All countries must be able to combine systematic testing, tracing, quarantining and treatment with restrictions on movement and contact, aiming to suppress transmission of the virus. And they have to coordinate the exit strategy to keep it suppressed until a vaccine becomes available,” the UN chief said, Xinhua reported.

He asked for massive stimulus to minimize the social and economic impact of the pandemic, and for support for developing countries in increasing their

UK PM Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

Antonio Guterres (File)

response capacity.

Guterres also appealed for the lifting of sanctions that can undermine countries’ capacity to respond to the pandemic. During a virtual press briefing, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres, elaborated on some of those conflicts and on other countries where the world organization is fighting the virus.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of the virus on millions of people across Syria and particularly the over 900,000 people who remain displaced due to hostilities since December 1 in the country’s northwest,” he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) said

the displaced live in overcrowded conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. There are currently over 6 million internally displaced people throughout the country.

The WHO is responding across Syria to prepare laboratories and isolation wards and to inform the public. Health facilities and selected intensive care units are being prepared and communities most at risk have been identified.

A particular focus has been given to the northwest of the country where the WHO is shipping in additional ventilators and personal protective equipment to better cope with the

strain on health care, the spokesman said.

The United Nations is very worried by the confirmation of the first COVID19 case in Libya, the spokesman said.

A possible outbreak could overwhelm the already-stretched humanitarian aid capacity, he said.

The UN, supporting authorities in COVID-19 preparedness, is alarmed that hostilities have continued in and around Tripoli despite a recently announced humanitarian pause.

UN agencies are working with the government on preparedness and response measures, disease surveillance, lab and research protocols, risk communications, training on infection prevention and a control and cluster containment plan, as well as surveillance and tracking of travelers, Dujarric said.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has launched a global education coalition to support countries in scaling up their distance learning practices and reaching children and youth who are most at risk.

UN Deputy SecretaryGeneral Amina Mohammed gave the world organization’s full commitment to the coalition, warning that for millions of children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, coronavirus-related school closures could mean the loss of a vital safety net of nutrition, protection and emotional support.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced on Thursday that it will increase support in 145 low- and middle-income countries to help children continue their learning while keeping schools safe.

School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted the education of more than 80 percent of students worldwide, it said.

In Burkina Faso, UNICEF has enlisted the singer Smarty, a hip-hop star in the country, to give a boost to COVID-19 prevention efforts, Dujarric said. The result is a video produced and designed to share information that can save lives.

Also, UNICEF has trained staff to sensitize the population on measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

China calls for ‘concrete steps’ from US over COVID-19 fight Beijing, Mar 27 (IANS): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on the US to take concrete steps to push forward cooperation to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and said he was concerned about the outbreak in America, pledging Beijings support.

Xi and his US counterpart Donald Trump spoke by phone on Friday in an attempt to ease tensions following weeks of finger pointing over the pandemic, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper said in a report.

Xi told Trump that China had been transparent and responsible in its release of information, including the gene sequence of the coronavirus, since the start of the outbreak, and had provided assistance to other nations, the SCMP report quoted China’s state broadcaster CCTV as saying.

The call comes in the wake of a grim milestone where the US has surpassed China, where the virus originated last December, in terms of confirmed cases.

According to the lat-

est updates by the John Hopkins University, the US has a total of 85,505 cases, while China has 81,782.

The overall death toll in the US and China currently stands at 1,290 and 3,291, respectively.

In the call, Xi said: “The virus knows no boundaries and ethnicity, and it is our common enemy. The international community can only defeat it through working together.

“The relationship of China and the US is at a critical juncture. Cooperation is mutually beneficial to both nations, while fighting will hurt. Cooperation is the only correct choice.

“It is hoped that the US will take concrete actions to improve China-US relations, and the two sides will work together to strengthen cooperation in areas such as epidemic control.”

Xi said he was concerned about the outbreak in the US and health officials from two sides were in constant communication, said the SCMP reported citing the CCTV as saying.

“China is willing to

continue to share information and experience with the US without reservation,” he said.

Following the conversation, Trump took to Twitter where he said: “Just finished a very good conversation with President Xi of China.

Discussed in great detail the coronavrus that is ravaging large parts of our planet.

“China has been through much and has developed a strong understanding of the virus. We are working closely together.

Much respect.”

Chinese and American officials have been trading accusations over handling of the crisis in recent weeks, the SCMP report said.

The US has criticised China, where the outbreak was first reported, for its slow initial response and attempts to silence people who raised the alarm about the pandemic.

But Beijing has said it informed the US in early January, according to the SCMP report.

Trump also angered Beijing by describing COVID as the “Chinese virus”.

COVID-19 cases in US: 55% of all cases in NY Covid-19 claims over 8,000 lives in Italy alarming scenarios for the UK attack rate. Earlier, Birx urged Americans “not to let up for a moment” as the 15 day mark nears for the first test case of social distancing guidelines. “This is a real call to every person in New York City in the New York metro area to continue to follow the White House social distancing guidelines”, she said.

Four counties - New York City, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau County e account for the maximum cases in the New York metro area. New York currently accounts for 31 per cent of people succumbing to Covid-19, according to data from Birx and New York Governor Cuomo. The White House coronavirus task force pointed to early signs that social distancing norms in the US are beginning to work, with the number of new cases in the high risk New York area relatively “constant” instead of curving sharply upwards. Two other areas Wayne County in Michigan and Cook County in Chicago e are on the White House radar now because of a rapid increase in the number of cases.

London, Mar 27 (PTI): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that he has tested positive for coronavirus after experiencing mild symptoms and is now self-isolating at 10 Downing Street in line with the medical advice. In a video message posted on social media, the UK prime minister said that he will continue to lead the UK government’s response to the deadly virus, which has claimed 578 lives. “Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus,” Johnson, 55, said on Twitter. “I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via videoconference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this,” he said.

A Downing Street spokesperson said that after experiencing mild symptoms on Thursday, the prime minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.

New York, Mar 27 (IANS): Nineteen out of 50 US states are reporting “extraordinarily” low numbers of coronavirus infections and the New York area alone is turning up 55 per cent of all new cases at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic caseload in America surged past China and Italys numbers on Thursday.

The US now has more than 83,000 confirmed cases with the death toll topping 1,200 by end of day March 26. “At this time, we do have 19 out of our 50 states that had early cases but have persistently low level of cases and at this point have less than 200 cases”, Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus co-ordinator said at an hour-long briefing this evening. Birx reassured Americans that they need not fear a sudden spike where a substantial portion of the population gets infected.

“There’s no model right now and no ground reality where we can see that 60 to 70 percent of Americans are going to get infected in the next eight to 12 weeks. I just want to be clear about that”, Birx said. Birx explained

Wuhan no longer at ‘high risk’ due to coronavirus

UK honours medical workers 101-yr-old Italian recovers from COVID-19 in nationwide round of applause

W U H AN , M AR 2 7 (IANS): The Chinese city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus pandemic originated last December, has had its COVID-19 risk evaluation downgraded from “high risk” to “medium risk”, a local health official said on Friday. Speaking at a news conference here, Liu Dongru, deputy head of Hubei province’s health commission, said coronavirus risk evaluation for five districts of Xinzhou, Huangpi, Jiangxia, Caidian and Dongxihu have been further lowered to “low risk”, reports Xinhua news agency reported Liu also declared the transmission of the coronavirus epidemic in Wuhan has been “basically blocked”. Since March 18, Wuhan has only reported one new confirmed case.

Friday’s announcement comes after authorities in Hubei’s provincial capital on Tuesday announced that travel curbs will be lifted in Wuhan from April 8 after over two months of lockdown. On January 23, Wuhan declared unprecedented traffic restrictions, including suspending the city’s public transport and all outbound flights and trains.

Starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, members of the public showed their gratitude for those working tirelessly on the frontlines.

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L o n d o n, M a r 2 7 (IANS): Thousands of people across the UK opened their doors and windows to applaud medical workers of the country’s National Health Services (NHS) dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, a media report said on Friday.

Starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, members of the public showed their gratitude for those working tirelessly on the frontlines of the pandemic that has infected 11,812 people in the UK and killed 580 others, the

The US now has more than 83,000 confirmed cases with the death toll topping 1,200 by end of day March 26.

that the 19 states which are showing a total of only 200 cases are continuing to test and apply mitigation strategies. Most of the high risk cases are concentrated in urban areas, Birx said.

“Still though, 55 per cent of all cases and 55 per cent of all new cases continue out of the New York and New York metro area”, Birx said. At this time, 86 per cent of the tests done on people who present with fever and symptoms are coming back negative, according to Birx.

Continuing to shine a light on data-led bright spots, Birx said that no country till date has shown an attack rate of more than one in 1000.

Metro newspaper said in the report.

Among them, were Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who stepped outside 10 Downing Street to give their round of applause.

Others whopped and cheered in support, while some families were pictured holding signs directly thanking the NHS. Kensington Palace also got in on the action by sharing a clip of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis clapping

“The only people who are over really one in 1000 cases are those that have very small populations, like Monaco.” At this time, New York is reporting an infection rate of 1 in 1000 compared with around 0.2 per cent per 1000 in the rest of the states. Birx cautioned that predictive modeling is not matching the ground reality either in the US, China, South Korea or Italy.

“So when people start talking about 20% of a population getting infected, it’s very scary, but we don’t have data that matches that based on the experience”, Birx said. She was speaking to reports that have been painting

together at home in Norfolk on its Instagram page.

There was also clapping at Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are staying, while Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were said to have joined in from the Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Organisers from the Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, said they set up the gesture to ensure NHS staff “know we are grateful”, the Metro newspaper reported.

ROME/Beijing, MAR 27 (IANS): A 101-year-old man in the coastal Italian city of Rimini has recovered from the novel coronavirus, the disease which has infected a total of 80,589 people in the country and has claimed the lives of 8,215 others.

Italian news reports said that the man, referred to only as “Mr. P.”, is believed to be the oldest person to recover from the disease, reports Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Gloria Lisi, Vice-Mayor of Rimini, Mr. P., who was born in 1919, was admitted to the Rimini hospital -- Ospedale Infermi di Rimini -- a week ago after testing positive for COVID-19.

In a televised interview on Thursday, Lisi said that as the patient began to recover it became “the story everyone talked about” in the hospital.

“Everyone saw hope for the future of all of us in the recovery of a person more than 100 years old,” Lisi said.

“Every day we see the sad stories from these weeks that mechanically tell about a virus that rages and is especially aggressive on the elderly. But he sur-

Of those infected, 33,648 are under house isolation and 3,612 are hospitalized in intensive care, while 24,753 are in ordinary hospital wards.

Rome, Mar 27 (IANS): The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 8,165 lives in locked-down Italy by Thursday, with the cumulative number of cases reaching 80,539, according to new data released by the Civil Protection Department.

Speaking during a nightly televised press conference, Agostino Miozzo, director of Civil Protection Department and coordinator of the Technical and Scientific Committee, confirmed that there are 4,492 new coronavirus infections

compared to Wednesday, bringing the nationwide active infections to 62,013 cases, Xinhua reported.

Of those infected, 33,648 are under house isolation and 3,612 are hospitalized in intensive care, while 24,753 are in ordinary hospital wards.

He added that there were 999 new recoveries compared to Wednesday, bringing the total to 10,361.

The death toll between Wednesday and Thursday was 662, bringing the total to 8,165 since the pandemic

first broke out in northern Italy on February 21.

The numbers are up from an official tally on Wednesday evening of 57,521 actively infected, 7,503 deaths, and 9,362 recoveries.

Miozzo also confirmed that Civil Protection Department Chief Angelo Borrelli has tested negative for the virus, and that Italian citizens have so far donated over 52 million euros to the Civil Protection Department to fight the emergency. (1 euro = $1.10).

investigated, and to our no deaths. knowledge, no information The researchers said on early-onset infection in that because strict infection newborns has been pub- and prevention controls lished in previous studies,” were implemented during said study researchers from delivery, they could rule Wuhan Children’s Hospital out that the babies were in China. infected via vertical materFor the findings, the nal-fetal transmission. This research team examined can include transmission the medical records of 33 before birth, the weeks imnewborns born to women mediately prior to or after with COVID-19 and found birth, the study said. that three of them tested “It is crucial to screen positive for the virus. pregnant women and imThe study revealed plement strict infection that the most common control measures, quaransymptom is shortness of tine of infected mothers, According to the re- and close monitoring of Newly born infants test breath. searchers, all three infants neonates at risk of COVIDCOVID-19 positive in China were delivered by caesar- 19,” the researchers conAmid the fast-spread- ean section and there were cluded. ing coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, which has ACKNOWLEDGEMENT currently infected over 5 By whose stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24) lakh people worldwide, There’s no more pain, the sun will shine across the river. researchers have found that We, the bereaved family of Lt. three newborns with coronavirus may have got the Jimmy Humtsoe convey our heartfelt gratitude to every individuals, disease from their mother neighbours, friends, and well wishers, during pregnancy or child- every corners of prayer groups, BHYO, BHCF and special thanks birth in China.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e to Doctors & Nurses of Dr. MM study, published in the jour- District Hospital Wokha, Dr. AK Sengupta (Cardiologist) and DPRO nal JAMA, with the sharp & Staff Wokha those who stood by increase in the number us physically and financially at the of infections, the number time of illness and sad demise of our of pregnant women and beloved Son. We pray that our Almighty God children with COVID-19 is Born : 07-08-1979 also on the rise. “However, bless each and every one of you Died : 13-03-2020 abundantly. only 19 infants born to afLoving mom, family members & relatives. fected mothers have been WC-118 vived. Mr. P. survived.”

Lisi further said: “His family brought him home last night (Wednesday), leaving behind a lesson that even at the age of 101, the future is not set.”

The story of Mr. P. is a rare positive news item in a country under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Currently, Italy has the highest number of fatalities, even surpassing China where the coronavirus originated last December.

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Infotainment

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Bon Jovi releases charity single with Prince Harry

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ctor Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, who appeared in “Iron Man 2” and TV hit “Entourage” has been arrested

by FBI agents for reportedly attempting to sell a fake coronavirus cure.

Middlebrook is facing one felony count of attempted wire fraud for reportedly soliciting investments for a company called Quantum Prevention CV Inc. to market pills he claimed would prevent COVID-19 infections and a shot to cure the virus, reports aceshowbiz.com. He was arrested in Los Angeles on March 25, following an FBI sting, in which he reportedly delivered a pack of pills to an undercover agent posing as an investor. Middlebrook “falsely claimed” to at least one potential backer that basketball icon Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson was on the board of directors, but according to the affidavit, “Mr. Johnson confirmed to investigators that he knew nothing about Middlebrook’s company.”

(IANS)

French Montana has been sued for sexual battery

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apper French Montana has reportedly been sued for sexual battery.

The lawsuit was filed against the artist, his employee Mansour Bennouna and his label Coke Boy Records by a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, The Blast reports.

Her lawsuit states that she was invited to the rapper’s home after they met at a recording studio in

March 2018.

She says that after 6am she was asked to take a shot of alcohol by both men and blacked out shortly afterwards. She claims to remember “several men coming in and out of the bedroom” and afterwards identified Montana as one of them.

Doe alleges that she “regained consciousness” at around 1.30pm to find Bennouna “spooning her”,

but felt “a pain in her pelvis, lower back and vagina.”

Up o n l e av in g th e rapper’s home, she was administered a rape test, which reportedly showed the presence of semen.

She then reported the rape to the police and accused Montana of sexual assaulting her.

The lawsuit accuses Montana and Bennouna of assault and battery, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring, supervision and retention, and negligence. Jane Doe is seeking damages for “extreme emotional distress, anxiety, flashbacks and depression.”

NME has reached out to French Montana’s representatives.

In January, Montana responded after a number of people — including 50 Cent — accused him of “faking” Spotify streams for one of his recent songs.

(NME)

on Jovi have released their new charity single ‘Unbroken’, featuring the unlikely talents of Prince Harry.

Frontman Jon Bon Jovi teamed up with the Duke of Sussex and the Invictus Games Choir to record the track at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios last month.

All proceeds will go

to the Invictus Games Foundation, which supports the recovery and rehabilitation of international wounded, injured or sick military personnel.

Describing his unlikely foray into music, Prince Harry said: “With military people, there’s a way of being able to talk about the scars of war in a positive way. Some suffer from Post-Traumatic

Veteran artist Satish Gujral passes away at 94

Right now those who stay at home Britney clarifies she isn’t faster than Usain Bolt are the only superstars:Akshay Says but you better believe I’m coming for the world record

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enowned artist and architect Satish Gujral passed away late Thursday at the age of 94.

A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the secondhighest civilian award of India, in 1999, the highly celebrated painter was the younger brother India’s former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral.

His death was mourned

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other dignitaries of note.

Modi tweeted: “Satish Gujral Ji was versatile and multifaceted. He was admired for his creativity as well as the determination with which he overcame adversity. His intellectual thirst took him far and wide yet he remained attached with his roots. Saddened by his demise. Om Shanti.”

Gujral was born on December 25, 1925 in pre-Partition India, and studied art in Lahore and Mumbai.

Gujral, a well-collected artist, was one of the few who have consistently dominated the art scene in India for the entire postindependent era. (IANS)

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iger Shroff is a promising actor and has the potential to become a superstar, feels Akshay Kumar. However, the Bollywood actor is of the opinion that the label of “superstar” in the current situation can only be given to those people who are staying at home ensuring their and their family’s safety.

Akshay’s words come

Stress, some of them suffer from depression, anxiety, but they are stronger for it. Those are the kind of ambassadors and role models that we need.”

Jon Bon Jovi, who provides lead vocals on the track, added: “Well, I thank you for what you’ve done to bring a light to that. It’s what you’re doing, really. I just got inspired to write a song from

it… It’s touching, their desire to serve and what they gave, and what they get out of singing.”

The song is a new version of Bon Jovi’s 2019 track ‘Unbroken’, with the original also paying tribute to veterans. It is taken from the band’s upcoming 15th studio album ‘Bon Jovi: 2020’.

Last week, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan confirmed that he’s tested positive for coronavirus.

Revealing the diagnosis on Instagram, Bryan says he’s “feeling better each day”.

“I just got my results back today and tested positive for corona virus,” he wrote. I’ve been sick for a week and feeling better each day.

He added: “Please don’t be afraid!!! It’s the flu not the plague. I’ve have been quarantined for a week and will for another week. And when I feel better I’ll get tested again to make sure I’m free of this nasty virus.”

(NME)

‘Iron Man 2’ actor arrested for attempt to sell fake COVID-19 cure

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

at a time when the entire nation is witnessing a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It all started when trade analyst Joginder Tuteja tweeted a video where he speaks about how Tiger Shroff is set to be a superstar with his upcoming movies like “Rambo”, “Heropanti 2” and “Baaghi 4”.

Reacting to his tweet,

Akshay Kumar wrote: “Absolutely in agreement with you on this Joginder, @ iTIGERSHROFF is going great guns but at this time the one and only superstar is the one who will stay at home ensuring his and his family’s safety. Urging each one of you to be a superstar.”

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is repeatedly urging citizens to cooperate with the government during the 21-day nationwide lockdown.

In a recent video shared on social media, the actor said: “Have some people lost it? Who all are not understanding the meaning of lockdown? Lockdown means you are supposed to stay at home, with your family and not roaming around in the streets. Are you trying to show how brave you are by stepping out? It is not going to help.

You will end up landing in the hospital and affect your family as well. Nobody will be safe if you behave in a careless manner.”

(IANS)

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ritney Spears’ claim that she managed to sprint 100 metres in under six seconds was a joke, the singer has revealed.

The US pop star took to Instagram on Wednesday (March 25) to tell fans the news, writing that she usually completes the run in “6 or 7” seconds but managed to crack the five-second mark on her latest attempt. Usain Bolt currently hold’s the world record 100m sprint at 9.58 seconds, achieved at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Berlin.

“Ran my first 5 !!!!

Getting over your fear of pushing it in the beginning is key …. once I did that I hit 5 !!!!! Usually I run 6 or 7 …. my first try was 9 …. and now I did it whoop !!!!! 100 meter dash!!!!!” she wrote in a since-deleted post (screenshot below).

Britney Spears claiming to have broken the 100m world record by nearly four seconds is my favourite self-isolation content of the week so far.

Now, the ‘Toxic’ singer has clarified the situation

in a caption beneath a new video of her trying on different dresses. “Obviously I was joking about running the 100 meter dash in 5.97 seconds…the world record is held by Usain Bolt which is 9.58 seconds…but you better believe I’m coming for the world record.” She rounded off the comment the hashtags #joking and #workbitch.

The news comes days after Spears echoed calls for

a strike and the redistribution of wealth.

The post, originally shared on the account of Mimi Zhu, said: “During this time of isolation, we need connection now more than ever. Call your loved ones, write virtual love letters. Technologies like virtual communication, streaming and broadcasting are part of our community collaboration.

“We will learn to kiss

and hold each other through the waves of the web. We will feed each other, re-destribute [sic] wealth, strike. We will understand our own importance from the places we must stay. Communion moves beyond walls. We can still be together.”

And in the previous week, the singer used her Instagram account to hit out at “bullies” who post “mean comments” on her page.

(NME)

Rihanna returns on new track R. Kelly seeks release from South Korea boy band BTS postpones ‘Believe It’ with PartyNextDoor jail over coronavirus concerns US, Canada tour over coronavirus

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ihanna has teamed up with PartyNextDoor on the track ‘Believe It’, marking her first new song in four years.

“Best make me believe it / Best make me believe it / Believe you won’t deceive me,” Rihanna sings alongside the Canadian singer on the uptempo tune.

It features on PartyNextDoor’s latest album ‘PARTYMOBILE’, which dropped in the early hours of Friday morning (March 27).

Announcing the release on Twitter, Rihanna wrote: “Believe it!! @partynextdoor album live!!!!”

While only a feature, it marks Rihanna’s first return to music since the K Y M C

release of her last album ‘Anti’ in 2016.

QUIZ: Match the Ariana Grande to its album1/6 Match the song to its album: “Let Me Love You” Anticipation for her next record remains high, with the singer recently confirming she’s heading into the studio with Pharrell Williams for her ninth studio effort.

“I’m going to be in the studio. I’m so excited actually. I can’t say who I’m working with, but it’s somebody I’ve been wanting to work with him for a long time,” she told The Cut. When pushed to reveal the artist she is working with, Rihanna replied: “Okay, I’ll tell you. [It’s]

Pharrell.”

When asked about the delay, she later added: “I like to antagonise my fans a little bit… Well, they antagonise me, too! So they get it right back.”

Rihanna is yet to announce any concrete details about her upcoming album, although it has been widely reported that the record will be influenced by dancehall and reggae.

It was reported last week that Rihanna has also reportedly offered $5 million to help impoverished countries affected by coronavirus, with $700,000 worth of ventilators also going to her home country of Barbados.

(NME)

. Kelly asked to be freed from a federal jail on Thursday, citing coronavirus concerns as the reason for his release.

He currently awaits trial in a Chicago jail on child pornography and other charges. A court filing by his lawyers saying scant precautions to stem the spread of the virus behind bars put Kelly's life at risk.

The filing claims that sanitizer and soap are scarce in the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), where inmates are kept in small cells with a cellmate, making social distancing difficult.

The 53-year-old, whose full name is Robert Kelly, faces several dozen counts of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York, from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying him with girls. The Grammy Award-winning singer has denied ever abusing anyone.

The filing cites Kelly's age and "existing health issues" as reasoning for him to be released on bail.

"The health risk to Mr. Kelly, because of his age and existing health issues, especially considering the conditions at the MCC, necessitates his release on bail," it says.

Thursday's 18-page fil-

ing didn’t describe Kelly's exact health issues, but it said he was within the category of people described as high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"The courts have long recognized that there is no greater necessity than keeping a defendant alive, no matter the charge," the filing says.

While the MCC barred most visitors on March 13, there are few detectable protocols for screening lawyers, guards and new detainees still entering the facility to check if they might be infected, the filing says. The visiting floor has sanitizer, but a sign next to the single bottle available says "STAFF ONLY;" and a bathroom on the same floor often has no soap, according to the filing. If Kelly is released, he would live with his girlfriend, Joycelyn Savage, at a Chicago loft apartment and could remain on home confinement with an electronic monitor, the filing says.

His trial date in Chicago is Oct. 13.

The judge in his federal case in New York also ordered that Kelly be detained while awaiting trial, so Kelly's lawyers would also have to persuade that judge to grant him bail before he could be freed in Chicago.

(FoxNews)

S

outh Korea’s boy band BTS will postpone a North America tour that had been scheduled to kick off in April, due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, its management said on Friday.

The seven-member K-pop hit group was due to begin its United States and Canada tour on April 25 in Santa Clara, with stops in Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington and Toronto, before wrapping

up in Chicago in June.

Big Hit Entertainment said new dates had not been set but all reserved tickets remained valid.

“We are closely monitoring and following the guidance of all local governments regarding public events to ensure we are providing a safe environment for everyone involved as we continue to update our tour plans,” Big Hit said in a statement on the fan community app, Weverse.

The delay came as

the United States overtook China and Italy as the country with the most infections, with thousands of new cases each day.

Last week, BTS indefinitely delayed sales of tickets for its Europe tour, set to start in July, and take in the cities of Barcelona, Berlin, London and Rotterdam.

Last month, it also cancelled a concert in Seoul set for April as South Korea grapples with the pandemic.

(Reuters) K Y M C

COVID-19: Williamson gives pet dog slip catching practice

Kane Williamson with his pet dog.

Auckland, March 27 (IANS): New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been giving his pet dog some slip catching practice, if his Instagram post is anything to go by. Williamson on Friday posted a slowmotion video of him laying the ball off for his labrador who makes no mistake in catching it.

“Sandy in the slips!

Any other dogs out there joining Sandy? #caninecordon #daytwoisolation (sic.)” said Williamson.

Williamson had earlier praised his country’s doctors and medical professionals who were work-

ing in the fight against coronavirus.

Writing in New Zealand Herald’, Williamson addressed the doctors, nurses and caregivers as the deadly virus continued to rear its ugly head, claiming more than 21,000 lives globally.

“Events of the past few days have made it clear we’re living through a health crisis the likes of which we’ve never seen.

There will no doubt be times in the coming days when the scale of what we’re facing will seem overwhelming,” he wrote.

“We’re so grateful you

have our backs. People talk about the pressure sportsmen and women are under to perform, but the truth is we get to do something we love every day for a living.

We play games,” he noted.

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed over 20,000 lives thus far and over 4 lakh cases have been reported around the world.

Williamson and the Blackcaps had played Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of empty stands on March 13 post which the rest of the series was called off as New Zealand started imposing travel restrictions to fight the pandemic.

Beckham thanks healthcare workers London, March 27 (IANS): Retired football superstar David Beckham has expressed gratitude towards "brave healthcare workers" who are working tirelessly and treating patients with COVID-19 during the ongoing pandemic.

Beckham has posted a video on Instagram where he can be seen clapping for the health workers along with his kids.

"Happy to be able to come together with the whole country to thank the brave healthcare workers and our brilliant NHS working tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 #ClapForOurCarers @victoriabeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven," he captioned the video.

The entire world has come to a standstill amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Sports activities have also taken a big hit and almost all the events have been postponed or cancelled, including the Olympics.

E a r l i e r, L ive r p o o l manager Jurgen Klopp also thanked the health workers for their service. In a video posted on Liverpool's official Twitter handle, he said: "Myself, the staff and all the players of LFC would like to take this opportunity to deliver a message to say thank you to all the incredible people who work in the health services, all the health workers out there."

BWF chief slams athletes for criticism during COVID-19

K UA L A L U M P U R , MARCH 27 (IANS): Badminton World Federation (BWF) secretary-general Thomas Lund said that the criticism that it has received from top players over the past few months is “disappointing” to see.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) had come under significant criticism from the players over the past two months as it went through with a number of competitions including and most prominently the All England Championships while the spread of coronavirus was increasingly becoming a concern throughout the world.

“It has been very disappointing to see some members of the badminton community speculate

on the sincerity and motives of the BWF in this time of crisis,” Lund said in an open letter.

“Our number one concern has always been the health and safety of all of our participants. “ H oweve r, a t t h e same time, we are deeply concerned about the cancellation of tournaments and the flow-on effect this has on elite players and coaches whereby they could now be in a position of temporary unemployment and loss of income.”

“Of course, hindsight is a wonderful thing. It was not difficult to argue that ‘wrong decisions’ had been taken in an environment changing on nearly an hourly basis, with further decisions therefore

required,” wrote Lund.

“This has not only been the case for BWF, but most authorities around the world. However, we maintain that BWF made the best possible decisions at the time and with sincere motives to protect both the health and livelihood of all participants.”

Top players including India’s Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth, Parupalli Kashyap and H.S. Prannoy have all been openly criticial of the BWF for going through with tournaments. Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had said that reigning world champion PV Sindhu had expressed her concerns to him while playing at the All England.

News of a member from Taiwan’s team at the

All England testing positive sent alarm among the athletes.

BWF eventually announced that all international badminton had been suspended a few days before the International Olympic Committee said that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics itself has been postponed to 2021.

KO L K ATA , M A R 2 7 (PTI): MS Dhoni’s muchanticipated comeback with the IPL may not happen anytime soon in light of the fast-spreading COVID-19 pandemic but his childhood coach Keshav Ranjan Banerjee remains hopeful that the ageing cricketing hero will find a place in India’s T20 World Cup. The lucrative T20 tournament’s 2020 edition, which had already been postponed to April 15, is on the verge of cancellation with the country in a 21-day national lockdown beginning Wednesday to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Dhoni has been out of action since India’s semifinal exit in the World Cup in July last year.

“In the current scenario, IPL looks unlikely and we will have to wait for BCCI’s call. His (Dhoni’s) position will become tough

obviously. But my sixth sense says he will get a chance in the T20 World Cup, which will be his last,” Banerjee told PTI from Ranchi.

The Chennai Super Kings captain trained in Ranchi in the lead up to IPL 2020 and also led their training camp in Chennai before the league was postponed due to the outbreak of coronavirus. “I spoke to him last after he returned from Chennai and I’m in constant touch with his parents. He’s doing his fitness training and is fully fit.

“Now let’s wait for the BCCI’s decision. There’s no tournament. ICC tournaments are off till June. So we will have to wait and see.”

Head coach Ravi Shastri had earlier said the IPL would decide the fate of Dhoni, who will turn 39 in July.

But with IPL about to get shelved this year,

the Indian greats including that of Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, had raised a question mark on the return of the 2011 World Cup winning skipper.

“True that he has not played a tournament (since July 2019) but for someone with 538 International matches, I don’t think it would take much time to adjust.”

“It would have been a different scenario for a beginner. But it’s not the case with Dhoni he has got a wealth of experience. I think he will get a last chance,” maintained Banerjee.

“He is fully fit and trained in Chennai for a week or so. Now everything is closed in Ranchi, earlier he would train at the JSCA. But now he’s confined at home and making use of the facilities at home. He has a gym, a badminton court, and a running corridor.”

ECB mulls COVIDOpening the batting with Sachin 19 checkpoints at Tendulkar was like a dream: Finch cricket grounds

Finch played alongside both Tendulkar and Lara for Marylebone Cricket Club against Rest of the World XI.

Sydney, March 27 (IANS): Australia’s imited-overs captain Aaron Finch has named Harbhajan Singh as his favourite Indian bowler.

Finch was asked a wide range of questions during a Twitter chat as he stayed indoors like all others to fight against the deadly coronavirus which on Friday infected even UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“Loved Harbhajan Singh during his prime, specially on spinning wickets,” Finch said in a reply to a question.

Finch was also asked to compare Sachin Ten-

dulkar and Brian Lara and asked who was more fun to bat with, Lara or Tendulkar?

The question referred to the time when Finch played alongside both Tendulkar and Lara for Marylebone Cricket Club against Rest of the World XI. Finch had hit an unbeaten 181 and put on partnerships with both Tendulkar and Lara respectively as he guided his team to a seven-wicket victory.

“Both” he replied ducking the question.

Finch also said opening the batting with Tendulkar was a dream come

OFFICE OF THE GHOKIMI SERVICE UNION FELICITATION With immense pride and honour, the GHOKIMI SERVICE UNION on behalf of all its members extends our heartiest congratulations to Shri P. ZUVITO WOTSA, S/o Pukhaxu Wotsa for being promoted to MANAGING DIRECTOR NIDC Nagaland.

The Union is extremely proud of his achievement and bringing laurels to the Union. We pray that the Almighty God continues to bless him with good health, wisdom and success in his future endeavors.

ARON WOTSA Vice President GSU

GHUSHEPU SWU Gen. Secretary GSU

Silver Jubilee Celebration Postponed This is to inform all that the Assembly of Church Lama Basti Silver Jubilee Celebration on st 1 and 2nd April 2020 is postponed until further notice. For needed information please contact jubilee celebration committee mobile numbers : 9612643896/ 7005816514/ 9378104349.

true.

“It was like a dream, one of my greatest cricketing memories.”

He was also asked, tongue in cheek, about a Bhuvneshwar Kumar bizarre dead ball in an ODI in 2019.

“I had no idea what to do...shouldn’t have pulled away, I got out next ball... last ball of the over,” Finch tweeted in response.

The ball in question took place during the third and final ODI of India’s tour of Australia on January 18 last year.

London, March 27 (IANS): The England and Wales Cricket Board might install coronavirus checkpoints and isolation units at grounds as they look to resume the game behind closed doors.

“We’re mapping out what international matches would look like behind closed doors,” ECB director of events Steve Elworthy told the Guardian as reported by BBC. Until May 28, English cricket has shut shop as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also tested positive of the deadly virus. Johnson disclosed he has tested positive for coronavirus but will continue to discharge his duties from self-isolation.

He becomes the second high-profile British leader to test positive for coronavirus in recent days after Prince Charles, the heir to the the throne. Some ministers in the Johnson government and MPs have also tested positive for Covid-19.

“That was guided by the potential impact on critical services like paramedics and doctors,” Elworthy explained.

OFFICE OF THE

SEMA TILLA COUNCIL

Regd. No. REV-18/83-D/9635-4 Dt. 29.3.93 Dimapur - 797112 : Nagaland

APPRECIATION

The Sematilla Colony Council would like to appreciate Shri. Hotoshe Sumi, owner of Fair Price Shop Sematilla Colony Dimapur, Nagaland who is also the President of All Nagaland Fair Price Shop Association and Vice President of All India Fair Price Shop Dealer's Federation for providing rice free of cost to all the card holders for the month of March 2020, as a helping hand towards the society in the midst of COVID 19 outbreak. The Council also wholeheartedly appreciate Miss Kutoli K Chishi for her initiation on distributing Soap and Mask in the Colony, through Rotary Club Dimapur.

The citizens of Sematilla Colony, from the core of our hearts, thank everyone and Rotary Club Dimapur for your good gesture. May the Almighty God bless you all.

(Vikato Zhimomi) Chairman

(Shikheto Sumi) Secretary

DP-2202

well after it was confirmed Evangelos Marinakis -- the owner of Greek side Olympiakos, who played Arsenal in the Europa League in February -- had coronavirus on March 10.

Arteta said his main concern was his three children after his wife and their nanny contracted the virus.

“In terms of symptoms, it was a normal virus for me. I had three or four days which were a little bit difficult, with a bit of a temperature and a dry

M S Dhoni and Keshav Ranjan Banerjee.

OFFICE OF THE YENCHEM AIHA

TAMLU VILLAGE, LONGLENG: NAGALAND.

POSTPONEMENT

Pursuing the COVID-19 nationwide lock-down, the office of the Yenchem Aiha Tamlu Village would like to inform the new date for the Raffle Draw which would be held on 6th of June 2020 at Tamlu Village thereby the previous date of Draw on 4th April 2020 stands cancelled.

We deeply regret the inconvenience.

Convener, Phühtang Phom

Gen. Secy, Chongvai Phom

DP-2198

BBC Sports.

“But how important is touching each other, feeling each other and hugging each other?

“I miss that with a lot of the people I love.

“We have to be emotionally more open. We have to tell each other what we are feeling,” he added.

“We cannot just in two or three months’ time - if we are able to get over this quickly - forget about this, because it’s so important.”

He reported feeling un-

R io d e J an e iro, March 27 (IANS): Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium will be used as a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients, Rio de Janeiro’s state governor Wilson Witzel has said.

Health officials plan to begin using the football stadium and the adjacent Maracanazinho indoor arena by mid-April as local hospitals struggle to cope with the rising number of infections, reports Xinhua news agency.

“The logistics are at an advanced stage and should be ready within 15 days, maximum,” Witzel told journalists.

He added that three more temporary hospitals were being built: in the Rio neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, and the nearby municipalities of Nova Iguacu and Sao Goncalo.

Sao Paulo’s Pacaembu stadium and the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia have also been converted into provisional hospitals in recent days.

Brazil’s health ministry has reported 2,915 confirmed coronavirus cases, 77 of which have been fatal.

The Maracana stadium was opened for the 1950 World Cup and staged the final of the 2014 World Cup, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Dhoni will get one last chance even if IPL is cancelled: Childhood coach

DP-2200

Mikel Arteta during a training session.

cough, and some discomfort in my chest. That was it. The difficulty is that I have people at home, three kids as well and I was worried. My missus has been through it and our nanny’s been through it.

“I am feeling completely recovered (now)...,” he told the club website.

“We are living in a unique situation, so I think all of us are trying to react to the situation that is coming on a daily basis and trying our best to overcome the situation.

The Spaniard urged people across the world to stay indoors and follow the guidelines put in place by the authorities in order to slow down the process of virus transmission. “...And please to everybody, we are a little bit behind other countries, for example Spain, where I know the situation they are living at the moment, and while we are having the opportunity a little bit to minimise the risk, I encourage everybody please to be responsible and stay at home as much as possible. That is all we can do from our position, we don’t have the ability to help others in other circumstances, so please at least stay at home and do what is required.”

“We have to slow the process down and the virus down, so please stay at home,” he added.

Rio converts Maracana stadium into hospital

K-859

Arteta opens up on COVID-19 recovery

LONDON, MARCH 27 (IANS): Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has “completely recovered” from COVID-19, believes people should be “emotionally more open” after the coronavirus pandemic.

Arteta, 38, tested positive for the virus on March 12 but has since recovered after self-isolating.

“We are in a world here where everything is social media, everything is a WhatsApp text,” Arteta was quoted as saying by

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

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sports

COVID-19: Indian athletes on cop duty

NEW DELHI, MAR 27 (PTI): They were at the forefront of pursuing glory for the nation as athletes and now some Indian sporting heroes are playing a key role in the raging battle against the COVID19 pandemic -- manning the streets as police officers persuading people to stay home amid a national lockdown.

T20 World Cup-winning cricketer Joginder Sharma, Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning boxer Akhil Kumar and Asian Games champion kabaddi player Ajay Thakur have one thing in common. They are all fulltime police officers, jobs which they got thanks to their sporting accomplishments.

Speaking to PTI, Sharma and Kumar, both Haryana Police officers and good friends, listed the challenges that come with “doing duty” during an unprecedented crisis.

“I have been a DSP since 2007. This is one of a kind challenge for me as a police officer because of the general fear and I can tell you that I have seen quite a few challenges in my years of service,” said

Cricketer Joginder Sharma, boxer Akhil Kumar and kabbadi player Ajay Thakur. (Courtesy-TOI)

Sharma, the all-rounder who immortalised himself with the trophy-winning final over against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup summit clash in South Africa.

The 36-year-old is currently posted in Hisar as the nation observes a 21day lockdown till April 14 to combat the pandemic, which has killed more than 24,000 globally.

“Our duty time starts around 6am and we do patrolling, making people aware, send those who are out for fun to their homes, help those in need of essentials or medical aid and take action against those

who try to defy without any good reason,” Sharma said giving a rundown of his average day.

Serving with the Gurugram Police as ACP since September last year is Kumar, the flamboyant bantamweight boxer, whose perilously low guard at the peak of his career became the style statement that many in Indian boxing continue to try and emulate.

“People are generally cooperative and in any case, essential services are being kept open so there is not much panic. I believe only a strict enforcement of lockdown will be able

to halt this virus. People are slowly understanding this,” said the 2006 CWG gold-medallist, who turned 38 on Friday, a working birthday for him.

The two-time Olympian and Arjuna awardee has also been pooling money with his colleagues, including another boxerturned-policeman Jitender Kumar, to buy essential food items and sanitizers for the underprivileged.

Jitender, an Asian bronze-medallist, is posted in Rewari.

“We are trying our best. Those who can afford to stay inside can and must but there are those who cannot. Our effort is to ensure that we reach out to as many of such people as possible,” Kumar said.

“Hum zameen se jude hain, humein pata hai bhookh kya hoti hai (We are people who have come up after lot of struggle, we know what it means to be hungry),” he added.

Thakur, who was bestowed the Arjuna award and the Padma Shri last year, is a DSP in Himachal Pradesh Police and has been in service since 2017.

The 2014 Asian Games gold-medallist was

Australia to host Women’s Basketball WC

Mies (Switzerland), March 27 (IANS): Australia will host the Womens Basketball World Cup in 2022, FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, has announced.

Australia and Russia were the two finalists bidding to host the competition. FIBA’s Central Board took the decision via video conference on Thursday after having both candidates submit their bids and each give presentations.

This will be the second time that Australia will host Women’s Basketball World Cup, having done so in 1994.

Sydney will host the event over 10 days in September and October 2022.

The tournament will be played across two venues, both of which are located in Sydney Olympic Park.

144 players from 12 international teams will participate in 38 games.

Hamane Niang, President of FIBA, said: “We look forward to the biggest women’s event in basketball taking place in Sydney,

Sydney will host the event over 10 days in September and October 2022.

and also the 12-month qualification period that will take place to be among the 12 teams playing in Australia.”

A n d r e a s Z a g k l i s, FIBA Secretary General,

said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Sydney to both promote and take women’s basketball to the next level.”

“We witnessed many successes at the last World

COVID-19: Hima Das pledges 1 month’s salary to Assam govt

Hima Das

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS): Ace Indian sprinter Hima Das has pledged to donate her one month’s salary to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Das will be donating her salary to Assam’s COVID-19 relief fund.

“Friends it’s high time to stand together and support people who need us. I am contributing 1 month of my salary to Assam government in Assam Arogya Nidhi Account made to safeguard the health of people in the wake of COVID-19,” she tweeted on Thursday tagging Prime

Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Rijiju was all in praise for Hima Das’s announcement as he lauded the sprinter’s efforts to make a difference. “Great gesture, Hima Das. Your hard-earned one month’s salary means a lot and it will be very purposeful! India fights corona”, he tweeted.

Ace Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu has also donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh

to combat the spread of coronavirus. Sindhu has donated Rs 5 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister Relief Funds in fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

“I hereby donate an amount of Rs 5,00,000/each (Rs five lakhs) towards the “Chief Ministers Relief Fund” for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to fight against COVID-19,” she tweeted.

Star wrestler Bajrang Punia, who works as an OSD in Railways, has already donated his six months’ salary to Haryana coronavirus relief fund.

Former India opener and BJP lawmaker Gautam Gambhir will be donating Rs 50 lakh to make sure citizens are given adequate equipment to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the national capital.

BCCI President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly has said he will provide free rice worth Rs 50 lakh to the needy people who have been put in government schools for safety and security amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cup, and I am sure that in 2022 we will see even more.

We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation over the next two years in planning for this pinnacle event.”

recently seen patrolling the streets of Bilaspur and has been raising awareness about the health crisis through video messages on his instagram page, which has over two lakh followers.

While being on guard for others, these men in uniform also have to ensure that they remain safe themselves. “...we carry masks, gloves and sanitizers for our own protection but for us the best protection is if people don’t come out on streets unnecessarily,” said Sharma.

“My family is in Rohtak, they are always worried for me. My wife and children call me all the time and talk about taking precautions. I salute my wife for managing the house at this time while I am here doing my duty,” he added.

Sharma said he has been in Hisar for a few years now and his status of being a World Cup-winner comes in handy while counselling people.

“They respect me for my achievement and sometimes it helps my work when they see my nameplate. When I tell people

Colombia-Mexico friendly called off due to COVID-19 Bogota, March 27 (IANS): An international friendly between Colombia and Mexico has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has said.

The match had been scheduled to take place at Mile High stadium in the US city of Denver on May 30 as part of both teams’ summer international commitments. “(We) hope that the game can be rescheduled in the future, but at this time the health and well-being of everybody must prevail,” the FCF said in a statement on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Colombia had hoped to use the friendly to prepare for the Copa America, which was postponed to 2021 earlier this month. Mexico are due to play Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals on June 4. Mexico and Colombia last met in March 2012, when the South American side prevailed 2-0 in Miami.

COVID-19: Barcelona cut wages of players Madrid, March 27 (IANS): Barcelona have become the first Spanish football club to officially announce a pay cut for players and club staff as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

Sports in Spain has come to a standstill and Barcelona had to make the move so as to pay their support staff. “Faced with this scenario, the Board of Directors has decided to implement a series of measures to mitigate its effects and reduce the economic effects of this crisis,” said the club in its statement.

“Among the measures adopted, it’s worth noting those related to the workplace are motivated by the need to adapt the contractual obligations of the club staff to the new and temporary circumstances that we are experiencing.”

The club added the measures include “a reduction of the working day, imposed by the circumstances and the protection measures carried out, and, as a consequence, the proportional reduction of the remuneration provided for in the respective contracts.”

The measure should lower the club’s wage bill by around 25 percent at a moment when it is not receiving any income through gate receipts.

Barca also explained it would make all of its facilities available for use by the regional health ministry to help the struggle against the coronavirus.

Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Lionel Messi had made a large donation to the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and also to hospitals in Argentina.

Real Madrid have said that their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be used to store donations of sanitary and other equipment during the crisis, while Leganes made a donation of 200,000 euros to the local Severo Ochoa Hospital, which is one of the hospitals that have been hardest hit by the coronavirus in the Madrid region.

Other clubs are also considering salary caps and donations, with Athletic Club Bilbao striker Inaki Williams commenting that he and his teammates would have “no problem” if they were asked to take a wage cut.

to not crowd markets for cheap deals, they adhere.

I tell them how costly it would be if they catch this infection, that they should not risk a deadly disease for saving a few bucks,” said the former all-rounder.

Kumar, on the other hand, favoured tough action against wilful violators.

“There are some who genuinely don’t know but there are others who come out despite knowing what it means. I think they should be dealt with sternly, that’s the only language they understand,” he asserted.

Sharma said most of such wilful violators are youngsters, complaining of boredom.

“I reach out to their parents. That’s the best way to make them understand because they are a little unaware of the gravity of the situation,” he said.

Being sportspersons, lessons in patience have been learnt aplenty and that helps them deal with the “frustrations”.

“Sewa, Suraksha aur Sahyog (service, security and cooperation) is our force’s motto. We are trying to deliver all,” said Kumar.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

COVID-19: Aleem Dar offers free food at his Lahore restaurant

Aleem Dar

Lahore, March 27 (IANS): Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has offered to provide free food at his restaurant in Lahore for the unemployed people amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Around 1200 confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported so far in Pakistan while nine people have lost their lives.

Dar runs a restaurant under the name �Dar's Delighto' and he has announced that people, who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 pandemic, can have their meals at his restaurant. " C o r o n av i r u s h a s spread all over the world and its effects are now being seen in Pakistan as well," Dar in a video message.

"However, without

Sachin donates Rs 50 lakh to fight COVID-19 New Delhi, Mar 27 (PTI): Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar on Friday donated Rs 50 lakh to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far claimed 17 Indian lives and wreaked havoc globally.

Tendulkar's donation is so far the biggest contribution among India's leading sportspersons, some of whom have pledged their salaries while a few others have donated medical equipment to fight the dreaded outbreak, which has caused more than 24,000 deaths globally.

"Sachin Tendulkar decided to contribute Rs 25 lakh each to Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Chief Minister's Relief Fund in his bid to join the fight against COVID-19. It was his decision that he wanted to contribute to both funds," a source privy to the development, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Tendulkar has been associated with a lot of charity work and there has

Sachin Tendulkar

been umpteen times, he has taken up social causes, helped people, which has never been brought to public notice.

Among other prominent cricketers, the Pathan brothers -- Irfan and Yusuf -- donated 4000 face masks to Baroda police and health department while Mahendra Singh Dhoni, through a Pune based NGO, made a contribution of Rs 1 lakh.

Among athletes from other disciplines, wrestler Bajrang Punia and sprinter Hima Das are some of the prominent names to have donated their salaries in the battle against the dreaded virus which has led to a 21day national lockdown.

our support, our government cannot control this. I request all people to follow the instructions as directed by the government.

"During this lockdown, people have become jobless. I own a restaurant named Dar's Delighto on Pia Road in Lahore. People who don't have a job now, can come there and eat food for free," added the 51-year-old Dar, who has officiated in 386 international matches� the most by anyone.

Former Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi has also donating disinfectant soap, material and food to the needy in the country.

Fo r m e r s p e e d s t e r Shoaib Akhtar also urged people to help each other rising above religion and economic status during the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19: L.R Shukla donates MLA salary New Delhi, Mar 27 (PTI): Former India cricketer Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who is currently the sports minister of West Bengal, has donated his three months’ MLA salary along with BCCI pension for the same period to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

As of now, 735 have tested positive in India with Bengal recording 10 such cases along with one death.

The national death toll has touched 17 in the deadly outbreak, which has killed more than 24,000 globally.

“It is the need of the hour that we all contribute to the best of our abilities. I have already donated three months of my MLA salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Also, I get pension from BCCI. I have donated three months of my BCCI pension,” Shukla told PTI on Friday.

Shukla, played three ODIs for India in 1999 before ankle injury cut short his career.

Australia unveil fan-designed ‘Vibrant Evolutions’ kit for T20Is

Melbourne, March 27 (IANS): Cricket Australia have unveiled their newest kit which will be worn by Australias mens and womens teams in T20Is in 2020-21 season. It has been designed by a Western Australian cricket fan and graphic designer Kai Jaeger.

Jaeger’s ‘Vibrant Evolutions’ kit was voted as the winner of Cricket Australia’s ‘It’s Your Design’ competition.

On Thursday, the board took to Twitter to congratulate Jaeger whose designed jerseys will be worn by the

two sets of Australian teams during the 2021-22 season.

“Congratulations to Kai Jaeger, winners or the ‘It’s Your Design’ competition. The playing shirt, designed and voted by the fans, will be worn by our T20 teams during the 202122 home season,” the CA tweet read.

The jersey is predominantly dark green with shades of traditional yellow.

“I tried to make it interesting and different from every angle, but still recognisable for Australian cricket fans,” Jaeger told cricket.

com.au.

“The different shapes and colours help to keep the design fun and upbeat.

The lines, with an upwards trajectory, create a sense of movement and represent the ever-changing nature of the game,” he added.

The men’s and women’s teams will wear the same kit, with the sponsor logos the only difference in appearance. The men’s team shirt is sponsored by Alinta Energy while the women’s team shirt is sponsored by long-time supporter of women’s cricket, Commonwealth Bank.

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