People Urged to Restrict Their Movements
Port Blair, April 26: The Secretary, IP&T, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh while briefing the media persons in the conference hall of IP&T today informed that massive surge in COVID cases all over the country is a matter of great concern. However, the A&N Administration is effectively handling the COVID situation by keeping the COVID positive cases under control in the Islands, the Secretary said, adding despite putting best efforts, so far, the cases has not reduced as expected.
The Secretary further said that on April 26, only 5 flights with 331 passengers arrived compared to 9 fights yesterday. Of this, 9 passengers were tested positive, despite the fact they had RTPCR negative report with them. It is a matter of great concern that flight passengers are tested positive on a daily basis, the Secretary added.
The Secretary said, surveillance team monitoring different areas have observed that people are not adhering to the COVID protocols despite repeated appeals made by the A&N Administration, religious leaders through All India Radio and regular publications in print media.
As a preventive measure to contain spread of COVID-19, instructions have been issued regarding staggering of the timings of the office staff of departments of A&N Administration, the Secretary said adding that Departments have started functioning with staggered timings from today (April, 26). Maintaining social distancing and avoiding unnecessary movement in market places has to be practiced by every individual in letter and spirit to stop the spread of corona virus, the Secretary said, adding that self safety is the only mantra for safety of individuals from this virus.
The Secretary informed that altogether 1322 eligible persons above 45 were vaccinated till 1 pm on April 26.
The Deputy Director GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De informed that there is sufficient stock of medicines and oxygen cylinders in A&N Islands. More cylinders will be received in a week’s time from Govt. of India. He said that proposal for setting up one oxygen plant in South Andaman district has been approved.
The Director (IP&T), Shri Alok Kumar and Deputy Director, IP, Shri RS Meena also attended the press conference.