OUR REPORTER AIZAWL, MAY 25
The Mizoram government has formed a research team to conduct a scientific study on the spread of the second wave of Covid-19, state health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana said on Tuesday.
He said that the state government has formed state research unit on Covid-19 headed by health secretary Lalramnghaka.
The research unit comprises of two experts each from Zoram Medical College (ZMC) and Mizo University (MZU), one each from Pachhunga University College (PUC) and College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Aizawl, some others from Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and the health department, he said.
State nodal officer on Covid-19 Dr. Pachuau Lalmalsawma is member secretary of the research unit, he said.
He said that the research team will conduct a scientific study on the cause and transmission of Covid-19 in the state.
Besides, it will also study different subjects related to Covid-19, he added.
The health minister on Tuesday presided over the first meeting of the research unit.
He told the meeting that the exact Covid-19 situation and transmission could be known if scientific study is conducted based on authentic data available in the state.
Knowing the present Covid-19 situation of the state will also help the state government to take preventive measure against Covid-19 third wave, he said. Lalthangliana also said that the medical history of both recovered people and Covid-19 victims (death) will also be studied, which in turn will help the government in the treatment of the infected people.
Chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, who attended the meeting, said the the present Covid-19 transmission could be ascertained through scientific study and evidence.
While the Covid-19 transmission could be curtailed with the imposition of lockdown last year, the state continues to register a spike despite the imposition of lockdown this time, he said. Starting from April 20, lockdown is being imposed in Aizawl and other district headquarters, which was followed by a complete lockdown from May 10, to break the chain of local transmission.
The existing total lockdown in all district headquarters, including Aizawl is scheduled to be lifted on May 31.
Mizoram on Tuesday reported 290 Covid-19 cases, taking the state’s tally to 10,621. The state now has 2,481 active cases, while 8,106 people have recovered from the virus.
At least 34 people have succumbed to the infection.
Meanwhile, Pachuau Lalmalsawma said that at least 4,490 Covid-19 positive cases were reported between 1 May to 24 May, out of which 2,131 have developed symptoms of Covid-19.
More than 1,200 children have been infected with Covid-19 during the same period, he said.
(Source: The Mizoram Post Vol. 18 Issue 343 Aizawl Wednesday 26 May 2021 http://www.themizorampost.net/page-view?date=26-05-2021&page_no=1)