Kohima, Following the detection of COVID-19 positive cases in one legislator, his bodyguard and two other support staff of another legislator and six other staff of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly just one day ahead of Nagaland Assembly Session, scheduled for today, the July 30, has been deferred as per advice made by the Governor. Official sources said that the Commissioner and Secretary of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Dr. P J Anthony in a ‘general information for members’ stated that due to unforeseen circumstances the Governor “indicated August 13” as the deferred sitting of the Assembly. However, Anthony informed the members that further details regarding the Assembly would be communicated to them. Although official sources hesitate to disclose the name of the legislator with COVID positive, the Adviser to the Horticulture and Border Affairs Mhathung Yanthan went public and tweeted that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He said, “Although my COVID-19 test report came out +ve, I show no symptoms and I’m doing absolutely fine. Currently I’m in home isolation and under proper care. I’m hopeful that I’ll emerge healthier and stronger. Thank u all for your concern and wishes. Keep me in your prayers.” He also informed that since he was asymptomatic, he chose to treat himself at home and exuded confidence to overcome the virus very soon. In another tweet, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Women Resource Development Adviser R Khing disclosed that two of his support staff tested positive and were in COVID Care Centre. “As a precautionary measure, I am on self-quarantine, adhering to the existing SOP & will continue to work from home,” he added
Following the detection of 6 COVID positive cases from among the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) staff, the District Task Force (DTF) Kohima during its emergency meeting on July 29 decided to “close/seal” the office for 48 hours with effect from July 29 as per the Standard Operating Procedure on preventive measures to contain the spread of virus. Informing this in a letter to Principal Secretary (Home), Deputy Commissioner of Kohima Gregory Thejawelie stated that fumigation and disinfection of office premises is being initiated. It was reported that the Leader of Opposition T R Zeliang had also requested Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker to defer the date of Assembly sitting and the Opposition party Naga Peoples Front (NPF) legislators had decided to abstain from attending the ensuing Nagaland Legislative Assembly Session scheduled to be held on July 30.
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