Regular Testing, Vaccination Of Shopkeepers Including Vegetable Vendors Should Be Taken Up On Priority Basis: Gauhati HC To State Govt

In view of the present covid 19 situation, the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench has told the State Government that regular testing and vaccination of shopkeepers including vegetable vendors should be taken up on priority basis.

Seeking response on the steps taken by the respondent authorities including the Principal Secretary Health, Principal Director Health and Chief Medical Officers of all district in the State of Nagaland, a division comprising of Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S. Hukato Swu observed thus:

"Keeping in view the way how the virus is spreading we are of the view that regular testing and vaccination of shopkeepers including vegetable vendors should be taken up on priority basis. Mr. N. Mozhui shall inform the Court as to what steps have been taken regarding this on the next date of hearing."

The development came while the bench was dealing with a suo moto case registered by the Court in view of the recent surge in covid 19 situation in the State and also to monitor various aspects concerning the pandemic situation.

During the previous course of hearing, the bench observed that only few privileged people who belong to higher economic strata may have the facilities for isolation in their own homes. It therefore directed the Nagaland Government to make sure that the patients of Covid-19, who are recommended to isolate at home, have sufficient number of rooms and other facilities for the same.

During the course of hearing dated 16th June, the Court was apprised by the State Government that the directions issued by the Court earlier have already been taken care of and an assurance was also given that mass vaccination is going on colony wise and village wise and people are also coming forward to take vaccination.

It was further submitted that that testing facilities have been enhanced and are being made available at all the medical facilities in the districts and subdivision headquarters. Furthermore, the Court was also apprised that vaccination to the service providers like taxi driver have been taken up and that the same would be completed soon.

When the matter was again taken up on June 23, the Court had issued notice to ASGI appearing for the Union of India and listed the matter for further hearing on June 30.

Title: IN-RE KOHIMA, NAGALAND VERSUS 1:THE STATE OF NAGALAND AND 5 ORS

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