Port Blair, May 4: There is sufficient buffer stock of PDS items and non-PDS commodities in A&N Islands and the Administration is constantly monitoring the supply of essential commodities in all the three Districts of A&N Islands. This was stated by the Secretary, IP&T, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh while addressing media persons on COVID-19 in the conference hall of IP&T today. He said, the Administration is also monitoring the supply of LPG and Petroleum products in the Islands.  It is in constant touch with the Shipping companies also, to transport the essential items from Chennai & Kolkata which is being monitored constantly so that the supply of essential commodities  reaches the Islands on regular basis during this pandemic situation. 

Informing about the COVID situation in these Islands, the Secretary informed that 5 flights with 346 passengers arrived today (May 5) and during the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on these passengers, 5 were found positive. He said 93 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj out of which 6 were found positive. They were not allowed to travel further to N&M Andaman and have been quarantined.

The Secretary said there is no sign of drop in the COVID positive cases as the number of positive cases has increased since yesterday. He has once again urged the people to follow all COVID appropriate behavior and help Administration in its fight against corona virus.

About vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that it is continuing for eligible beneficiaries above 45 . He once again requested the eligible persons above 45+ age to come forward to get vaccinated at the earliest and help the Administration to restrict the spread of corona virus. He said that the Administration is in constant touch with the Serum Institute of India and as soon as the vaccine is received, the vaccination drive for 18+ will begin in isles.

The Director ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal stated that there is a fluctuation in the COVID positive cases since last one week.  He said the number of   corona positive patients has gone up to 96 at G. B. Pant Hospital however; the number of cases on May 4 was 70. Out of the 96 patients, 60 are on Oxygen support and no patient is on ventilator.

The Deputy Director G.B. Pant Hospital, Shri Amitabha De said that altogether, 10 patients were admitted today at COVID Care Centres. Further, 15 patients were discharged and at present 110 patients are still in COVID Care Centres in South Andaman District, the Deputy Director added.  

The Deputy Director, IP, Shri RS Meena also attended the press conference.