Port Blair, April 29: Secretary, IP&T, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh today reiterated to strictly follow COVID appropriate behaviour viz. wearing of face mask and maintaining social distancing to protect themselves, their family members and the society as well from the deadly corona virus. While briefing the media persons in the conference hall of IP&T about the COVID situation in these Islands, he informed that 5 flights with 459 passengers arrived in Port Blair today. Out of this, 9 passengers were tested corona positive.

   The Secretary disclosed that a part of the Shadipur area has been declared as Containment Zone. He said the information & the photographs we receive reveal that people are still not following the COVID protocol. By adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour only we will be able to defeat Corona virus, the Secretary added. He said that the vaccination drive is continue and till 2 pm today 523 eligible persons above 45 plus age were vaccinated with COVISHIED vaccine. He stated that there is daily addition of around 40 to 50 corona positive cases in these Islands and a good number of patients are also being discharged after recovery. The recovery of the patients helps in reducing the pressure on the medical system, the Secretary said.

The Secretary has once again appealed to the people to follow all COVID protocols and move out of the house only if, there is urgent nature of work or in medical emergency. He urged the people to avail the tele-consultancy facility instead of visiting G.B Pant Hospital for minor ailments. Visiting G.B. Pant Hospital and other hospital or health centres will increase the chances of contracting the virus, the Secretary said.

In his address, the Deputy Director, GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De said that even after introducing the tele-consultancy facility people are not availing this facility and about 1000 persons are visiting the G.B. Pant Hospital on a daily basis. He once again urged the people to avail this tele-consultancy facility, which he said, will not only reduce the footfall but the spread of infection. He said airborne infection is the major cause of spreading corona, the Deputy Director said adding that wear mask properly, clean hand & use sanitizer and avoid touching nose and mouth to restrict spread of corona virus.

The Deputy Director said District Office may be contacted, if any person from containment zone is not able to come to collect the medicine from the Hospital.

He said today (April, 29) the number of new admission of corona cases in G.B. Pant Hospital stood at 12 and after recovery 5 patients were discharged. At present, 87 corona patients are in the G. B Pant Hospital of which 52 are on Oxygen and no patient is on Ventilator, he disclosed.

The Director, IP&T, Shri Alok Kumar and the Deputy Director, IP, Shri RS Meena also attended the press conference.