ITANAGAR, May 5: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) today convened a consultative meeting here in the state capital to discuss Covid containment strategies and preparedness which was participated by Capital Mayor Tame Phassang, Deputy Mayor Biri Bassang, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso and various stakeholders.

Kaso said that either it should be a full lockdown as the ultimate measure to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the ICR or a regimen of strict precautionary measures without a lockdown. However, he opined that lockdown should be avoided and there should be focus on adhering to all SOPs and COVID appropriate behaviour. Emphasising on faster vaccination rollout, the MLA said that since the state’s population is just around 15 lakhs, the state government should make necessary efforts to make the vaccines available for all. 

Mayor Tame Phassang informed that under Hamara Arunachal Abhiyan many associations including the youth and mothers’ association have been formed in every sector and assured them the required cooperation in the fightback. However, he opined that local MLA and Mayor may be invited for taking any decision on ICR lockdown. He also asked the DMO to ensure availability of rooms, oxygen beds, ICUs etc. at COVID hospitals on a priority basis.

The DMO while presenting a cumulative report on ICR’s Covid status from April 1 to May 4, 2021informed that till date 13969 individuals have been Covid tested, out of which 784 tested positive which reflects a 6% positivity rate. Total tests carried out at Banderdewa gate is 5941, out of which 81 tested positive, signifying a 1.3% positivity rate and the positivity rate in the ICR excluding Banderdewa check gate in the last one week was 8.1% which increased to 9.3% in the last 3 days, the DMO added. In terms of occupancy percentage at the CCCs, he said that at DCH it is currently 57.1%, 13.3% at CCC Lekhi and 50% at DCHC.

ICR DC Talo Potom asked all the concerned departments to update on the availability of food stock, LPG etc. “It is necessary to check our preparedness level prior to taking any decision so that denizens don’t suffer and since we have already faced a similar situation in the first wave we should all be geared up to face the second one in a better way,” he added. The ICR SP briefed on the law and order arrangement and deployment of forces at nakas. While informing that night curfew is being implemented in letter and spirit, he said that intensive mask checking drives are being carried out and Rs 1.5 lakhs has been realised as penalty till date. However, he appealed to the denizens to cooperate with the administration by wearing masks and following all Covid SOPs.

Representatives from the Departments of Civil Supply and APMC assured the availability of food stock, LPG and other necessary items. The Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs also assured its cooperation in regulating prices of commodities in case the lockdown becomes inevitable. Secretary General, ACC&I Toko Tatung said that the business community suffers the most during lockdown and in case the DA decides to implement it, prior intimation should be given to all. He however suggested a partial lockdown, if necessary and stressed that vaccines should be made available along with other basic amenities at the Covid hospitals.

All stakeholders participating in the meeting assured to extend cooperation regarding the decisions taken by the state government to control the spread of Covid-19 in the ICR. Among others, all corporators, administrative officers and concerned officials attended the meeting. DIPRO