Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday sought cooperation and support of every citizen of the state in adhering to all the preventive measures being taken by the state government to prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus.

Addressing the people of the state on Covid-19 at the chief minister’s secretariat in Kohima, Rio said though Nagaland does not have any confirmed case of the virus till now, there is no reason to be complacent or lower “our guard”.

He said the state medical department and all the health personnel have been working day in and day out in taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The department is fully prepared for providing care and the requisite medical assistance to anyone in the event of any eventuality,” he said.

Rio said the state government has issued many instructions and is adopting various steps like restricting public movement, closure of public places and other such containment measures for preventing the spread of the virus.

He appreciated the public for cooperating with the government in the fight to defeat the threat posed by novel coronavirus and sought their continued cooperation.

Rio urged the people of the state to adopt the best practices of personal hygiene and social distancing as recommended by the health authorities. He also urged to maintain vigil and help the authorities in preventing rumours and the spreading of fake news.

He appealed to all sections of the people to be sensitive to all communities and refrain from racial profiling and discrimination at this juncture.

Rio appealed to all the people, particularly the students, coming from outside the state to first stay in private areas or buildings for quarantine.

Niathu Resort, Dimapur and Cricket Academy, Sovima have been kept ready for the purpose, he said.

“There is no need to panic but we have to be alert and cautious to ensure that we are not infected,” he said.

Saying that the next few weeks are very crucial in the fight to defeat Covid-19, he said, “With the active participation of each and everyone, we can together overcome these difficult times.”

“These are extraordinary times and we need to unite in order to face the challenge under a spirit of oneness. Every citizen is a member of team Nagaland and together we will overcome the hurdles that lie ahead,” Rio added.

He also held a video conference with district task forces on Covid-19 on Monday.

Rio directed the district task forces led by their respective deputy commissioner to play a crucial role in disseminating information and monitoring the situation without any complacence.

He said there is no shortage of essential commodities in all the districts and urged the public not to panic.

He also instructed the deputy commissioners to direct the village guards to seal the eastern borders especially the international borders.