Progress Review Meeting of COVID-19 Prevention Task Force for Northern Province was held on 01 December 2020 at 10.00 am under the patronage of Hon. Governor of Northern Province Mrs. PSM Charles in the Secretariat of the Governor. Chief Secretary, Secretary to the Governor, Government Agents of Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts, District Secretaries of Northern Province, Director of Health Services of the Northern Province, Director of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Secretaries, Kilinochchi District Army Commander, Senior Police Officers, and Naval Officers attended this meeting.
Many important issues were explored in this discussion. In particular, the Provincial Health Service Director was asked about the current status of the COVID 19 pandemic. It was informed that compared to other provinces, very few cases have been identified in our province. Hon. Governor said that the people should follow the health guidance till the vaccine comes and people should act with care to protect those around them and the community.
She also asked all construction workers and road-repair workers to follow the health guideline circular of the Ministry of Health and proceed with their activities. She also directed the Health Department, District Secretaries, and the Police to carry out the necessary awareness programmes and monitoring activities for them.
She further said that passengers and all vehicle owners traveling to the Outer Province should provide their details to the Vavuniya Check Post and the relevant District Public Health Inspectors as the outbreak of COVID-19 in our province is due to the influx of outsiders.
The Governor also directed the Naval Officer to take appropriate action in connection with the encroachments of illegal Indian fishermen. The Hon. Governor directed the Village Awareness Committees to be vigilant and co-operate with the Police to control the ongoing illegal activities in the province. She also directed the police officials to inform the public about the true nature of the ongoing illegal activities and the reasons for it through a media announcement in Tamil.
Commenting on the recent rise in suicide deaths, the Hon. Governor informed the Director of the Jaffna Hospital to investigate the causes and problems of the suicide attempts and said that a 24-hour helpline should be set up for this purpose.
The Hon. Governor also urged the students not only to focus on education but also to try to get out of stress by using other forms of recreation. For this purpose, the parks and common sports facilities should be established.
The Hon. Governor also instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Province to take appropriate action as the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage has planned to select 500 chilli growers and provide assistance to them.
