In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the steady increase in positive cases across the country, the H&FW Department, led by the Hon'ble H&FW Minister on 17th March, 2020 (Tuesday), took a decision to set up Village/Local Level Task Forces consisting of Village council members, NGOs, Church leaders and medical personnel in each village and local council across the State. Working in coordination and under the direction of their respective District Level Task Force, these Village/Local Task Forces, aided by a team of dedicated volunteers, are currently playing a pivotal role in the fight to prevent a mass outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
With a view to equip these frontline workers in his constituency, Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker Pu Lalrinliana Sailo today handed over a sum of Eight lakhs (Rs.8,00,000/), Surgical gloves and face masks to be distributed amongst the 24 Village Level Task Force (VLTF) in the Chalfilh Assembly Constituency.
Handing over financial aid and equipment to the Task Forces, the Speaker thanked them for their dedication and selfless contribution in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. He also assured them that the State has adequate stock of rice and other essential commodities, and that the Government will continue all measures to ensure the safety and security of citizens during this crucial time. He also mentioned that the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department had already started distribution of PDS rations for April, and that AAY and Priority Household Card Holders (Yellow and Red Cards) would be given rice free of cost. He also appealed to the public to remain calm and practice basic hand washing and use of sanitizers and observe good personal hygiene. Citing recent incidents of rumours regarding Novel coronavirus being spread through various social media by miscreants, the Speaker termed such acts as highly unfortunate and punishable by law, and appealed to the general public to refrain from posting/forwarding messages without first verifying their authenticity. He also appealed to all those returning from outside the State to observe the mandatory 14 days home quarantine.