The Nagaland home department has sought enforcement of the existing guidelines and SOPs for preventing the spread of COVID19 during the upcoming Holi festival, Good Friday, Easter and other festivals in the state.

The Nagaland home department on Saturday issued a notification in this regard with reports of rise in COVD19 positive and death cases are pouring in from different states in the country.

Principal secretary to home, Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, in an order on Saturday, directed all deputy commissioners and chairmen of district task forces (DTFs), superintendents of police and chief medical officers to enforce the existing guidelines and SOPs to prevent spread of COVID19 during the upcoming festivals.

Sinha’s directive comes following a letter issued by the home secretary to the government of India regarding the matter.

“The Home Secretary, Government of India vide his DO letter no. 40-34/2020-DM-I(A) dated 26th March 2021, addressed to the chief secretaries of all the States (copy enclosed) has drawn the attention of everyone concerned to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in several states in the recent past and has sought strict enforcement of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and the prescribed SOPs for the various activities,” Sinha said in his order.

Further, in view of the various upcoming festivals such as Holi, Shah-e-Barat, Easter, etc., it has also been urged to take necessary measures to regulate crowds during these festivals by ensuring strict observance of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and all other relevant guidelines and SOPs, he said.

In view of the above, all District Task Forces (DTFs) in Nagaland are advised to take necessary steps for reiterating among the people the utmost need for following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour such as wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and regular washing of hands at all times in public places.

It has also been advised to avoid crowding, limit gatherings and congregations to the extent possible with strict observance of all the SOPs and guidelines during the celebration of the upcoming Holi festival, Good Friday, Easter and other festivals so that the spread of COVID-19 is prevented.

Besides creating wide awareness, the DTFs have also been asked to take proper measures for ensuring strict adherence to COVID19 appropriate behaviour, all SOPs and guidelines aimed for preventing the spread of COVID19.

The principal secretary (health) to the Nagaland government asked the DTFs to “take appropriate action as per law” against any person who is “found violating” the guidelines and SOPs.

Nagaland reported one COVID19 positive case in Dimapur on Friday.

Till March 26, Nagaland has registered a total of 12,229 COVID19 positive cases, out of which 11,979 people have recovered while 81 died of infection.

Nagaland currently has 5 active COVID19 cases.