Don't return, get Rs. 10,000: Nagaland's idea of staying coronavirus-free
What's the story
Nagaland which has zero cases of coronavirus plans to keep it that way and has asked for support from residents in this regard. If residents don't choose to return now, the state government will give them Rs. 10,000. This announcement comes amid Centre running trains to send stranded migrant workers home. Special passenger trains have also started running this week. Here are more details.
Announcement
Nagaland has a special request for its residents
Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy said the movement of people from COVID-19 affected areas is a matter of concern, especially when the state has managed to remain free of the disease. "The government has decided to give Rs. 10,000 to the citizens of the state, presently staying outside, who opt to stay back where they are at present," he said.
Plans
Nagaland wanted migrants' return in staggered manner
Toy said the state was planning to bring back migrant workers in a staggered manner, but with the special Shramik trains, their detailed plan went off the rails. In these circumstances, the state government decided to give priority to the elderly and citizens who left the state for medical treatment. More than 18,000 people have registered on Nagaland's portal asking to be sent home.
Quarantine
Returnees from red zones will be quarantined
Further, Additional Chief Secretary Sentiynager Imchen said the residents coming from red zones will have to stay in institutional quarantine for at least 14 days. They will be screened at Dimapur or Kohima. Asymptomatic people, who will return from green and orange zones, will be sent to three days of institutional quarantine and 12 days of home isolation after that.
Appeal
NGOs also urging people to stay put
Toy said the state government was working on a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure quarantine facilities are in place before a wave of people arrives. Tribal groups and NGOs are also urging people to stay put and Toy appreciated their efforts. He added a system has been made to check fraudulent claims and promised to take strict action against miscreants.