Port Blair, May 15: The Secretary, IP&T, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh while addressing a COVID-19 media briefing held in the conference hall of IP&T today, informed that the increase in the COVID cases among the persons who are moving to Inter- Island is a matter of great concern. He informed that 74 persons bound for Middle & North Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj, of which 11 persons were found positive. The positive cases among the people who are moving to inter- Islands is still continuing. Its more than a week now, the number is not coming down and is increasing day by day which, he said, is not a good sign. He further disclosed that 3 flights with 292 passengers arrived today and during RAT test conducted on these passengers, 6 persons were found positive.

The Secretary informed that in view of the recent surge in the positive cases of COVID-19 in the Islands, a complete lockdown will be imposed in some villages under Ferrargunj Tehsil from 15.05.21 to 22.05.21. An order to this effect has been issued by the District Magistrate, South Andaman District, he said.

The Secretary further stated that the number of COVID patients are increasing in G.B. Pant Hospital and Covid Care Centres in South Andaman. If such trend continues, the Administration will be left with no option to impose more stricter measures in the coming days, the Secretary IP&T cautioned.

The Director, ANIIMS, Shri A.K. Mandal informed that in G. B Pant Hospital 113 new COVID patients were admitted and 5 were discharged today while the Deputy Director, G.B. Pant Hospital, Shri Amitabha De informed that altogether, 10 COVID patients were admitted in Covid Care Centres today.    Further, 4 patients were discharged and at present 53 patients are still in   Covid Care Centres in South Andaman District, the Deputy Director added.

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