AMUCO, others appeal all not to give communal tinge to COVID-19

IMPHAL, Apr 2
As the State has confirmed a second COVID-19 case, AMUCO, MSF and CPI(M) have appealed to all the people not to give communal tinge to the global issue of coronavirus.
Appealing to all sections of the society to unite and fight as one against the coronavirus, separeate statements issued by AMUCO and MSF advised that the people of the State should refrain from making communal statements and spreading rumours that may have serious repercussions in the society.
It is not the time to blame a particular community or individual for the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, said AMUCO pointing out that such unwanted comments would have devastating impact on the society.
All should shed politics, communal outlook but work as one. All those who have suspected symptoms and those who had gone outside Manipur and stayed at coronavirus hit States and countries should report to the authorities  concerned and disclose their travel history for the State to better face the pandemic, said AMUCO.
It may be noted that one person who had attended a religious congregation in Delhi recently was confirmed for COVID-19 early today taking the tally to two in the State.
Coronavirus has no cure as of now and worshipping in group will not certainly help but multiply chances of infections, said AMUCO urging people to practise social/physical distancing to flatten the curve by stopping virus transmission.
It is unfortunate that people are skipping quarantine and hiding with suspected symptoms, said AMUCO hinting that people should really learn to be responsible and surrender volun- tarily for quarantine if they meet the criteria.
Lauding the halthcare workers who are facing coronavirus in the frontline, AMUCO appealed the State Government that they (healthcare workers) be provided with all essential personal protection equipment (PPE).
Acknowledging the role of the healthcare workers and their rising need in the fight against coronavirus, AMUCO said that the  authorities concerned and Government should not give avoidable leave of absence and suspend giving voluntary retirement to doctors and nurses until the global crisis recedes.
Urging Government and authorities concerned to review their orders curtailing Primary Health Centres, Primary Health Sub Centres and Community Health Centres to not treat non-emergency patients amidst coronavirus outbreak, AMUCO reiterated that the health centres be allowed to treat other patients also. If not treated in time, many of the patients may develop serious health problems in the long run, it said.
Further commenting on the numerous complaints being raised by people from various parts of State regarding distribution of essential items like rice and pulses, AMUCO said that the agents and authorities should maintain transparency and accountability to avoid problems. It also urged Meira Paibis and local clubs to oversee the distributions at their respective places to avoid any problem.
Meanwhile, CPI (M) has also condemned the coronavirus being painted in a communal light.
Condemning efforts and campaign in social media platforms to give the epidemic in India a communal colour and target a particular community, CPI (M) in a statement issued by its Central Committee said that all religious, social and political congregations of more than 200 people in all parts of India after March 13 should be traced and tested for the virus.
It is a matter of serious concern that a large number of those who attended the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi and had dispersed to different parts of the country have been found infected with coronavirus. It was irresponsible on the part of the Jamaat leadership to have organised the congregation in mid March when restrictions were already in place about the size of gathering. It is also inexplicable how the authorities allowed a second gathering on March 20-21, said the party.