No.290/2021-2022

Aizawl, the 16th September, 2021: The Health Minister of Mizoram Dr R. Lalthangliana today held talks at his office chamber with Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) Councillors and Aizawl City Area Local Council leaders to take stock of the Covid-19 situation in Aizawl, and deliberate on measures needed to be taken to contain further spread of the virus. The capital city alone accounts for 60% of all active cases in the State at present. 

Medical Operational Team Chairman Dr. ZR Thiamsanga, MLA, Aizawl DC Dr. Lalhriatzuali Ralte, AMC Jt. Commissioner and other Health Department Officials were also present at this high level meeting.

The meeting reviewed all issues related to the present Covid-19 situation, including containment measures in place, status of vaccination across the state, stock of protective equipments & testing kits, and the situation at Covid-19 related healthcare facilities.

The Minister highlighted that since the start of the Covid-19 vaccination drive on the 16th January of this year, the State has given out 10,03,888 vaccine doses in total. The vaccination drive has reached the most remote corners of the State, with efforts temporarily on halt in certain areas due to monsoon related transportation bottlenecks. The Minister called upon those present to put in more intensified efforts to sensitize and motivate unvaccinated eligible citizens to come forward and take the vaccine. At the meeting, it was also highlighted that majority of new infections are those from friends, neighbors and extended families socializing and visiting each others’ houses. AMC Councillors and ACLLA leaders outlined their plans to tackle this issue at their respective jurisdictions. 

The meeting also paid their respect and condolences to two frontline workers who lost their lives to Covid-19 - Pu Vanlaldika, Laipuitlang Aizawl City Area Local Council Association Treasurer and Pu Lalngaihawma, Venghnuai Local Council Chairman.

The Minister had also held a Covid-19 related meeting at the SAD Conference Hall yesterday with Health & Family Welfare Department officials. At this meeting, it was reported that the lone Dedicated COVID Hospital in the state -Zoram Medical College (ZMC) continues to handle an influx of patients, with both the Covid Ward and the ICU stretched to their limits. The 34 bedded ICU is constantly operating at 100% occupancy, and immediately needs to be augmented, the H&FW Officials reported.

Of the 250 Covid-19 deaths in the State (till September 16), it was reported that 55% are aged 60 and above, 23% in the 18-44 age bracket and 20% in the 45-60 age bracket. 66% of them are males, with the capital city Aizawl alone accounting for 71.60% of all Covid-19 related deaths in the State. Among those that lost their lives due to Covid, fever, difficulty in breathing, dry cough, low SPO2, diarrhoea, tiredness, body ache and sore throat were most commonly reported. 80% of them had comorbidities. At 75,470 confirmed cases so far in the State, the Covid-19 death rate stands at 0.33%, well below the nation average of 1.33%. 

The meeting deliberated on preventive measures in place, guidelines for Containment Zones and Restricted Areas, methods of sample testing, treatment protocols in place, and strategies to immediately augment critical care facility in the State.