The special action group on coronavirus in Nagaland on Thursday asked faith-based organisations to play a role in disseminating information to create awareness about personal hygiene and practising respiratory etiquette to prevent and combat the pandemic.

The group made the appeal at an emergency meeting with various faith-based organisations in Kohima. It also asked people to contact the Covid-19 helpline for assistance.

The Nagaland government constituted the nine-member group on Tuesday to monitor the situation.

Principal secretary and home commissioner Abhijit Sinha, who heads the group, briefed the meeting on the outbreak of coronavirus and how it is affecting the world. “The only weapon to fight the virus is containment and personal hygiene,” he added.

Sinha told the gathering that there are no positive cases detected in Nagaland and other northeastern states so far.

Principal director, health and family welfare department, Vizolie Suokhrie said the virus spreads rapidly mainly because of poor hygiene. Suokhrie said the state government machinery is working towards preventing the spread of the virus.

The president of Kohima Town Baptist Pastors Fellowship, Rev. Kevichalie said the Sunrise Service at Kohima World War II Memorial during Easter Sunday has been cancelled.

Sunday prayers

The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum on Thursday called for prayer on Sunday to seek divine protection from coronavirus. The forum’s vice-president, Rev. N. Paphino, urged all churches across the denominational line to observe a day of prayer and fasting this Sunday and seek God’s intervention and protection.