Port Blair, Feb.6: State Level Advisory Committee on Outbreak Response held a meeting yesterday (Feb.5, 2020) and discussed the preparedness of the UT to combat Novel Corona Virus (NCoV) under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary (Health) at Mini Conference of Secretariat. Representatives from Police, Tourism, Airport Authorities, Port Management, AH&VS Department, ACCI, AATO, ICMR and faculties of Medical College attended the meeting.
Dr Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health)/ JS (IDSP) briefed the gathering about the status of preparation in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He apprised the Committee that quarantine room has been set up at Airport and Haddo Port. 5 Isolation beds are kept at G B Pant Hospital and 2 beds are also kept in each District Hospital. Arrangement for Isolation wards/beds has also been made at CHC/PHC level, especially at Swaraj Dweep, which is frequently visited by tourists. The Department, with the help of Immigration, Airport Authority of India (AAI) is keeping close watch on the tourists/passengers coming out from China and other infected countries for screening them and thereafter keeping them in observation as per the advisory of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare/WHO. No case has been detected in the Islands so far. Secretary (Health) / MD (UTHM) and DHS were also present in the Meeting.
The Principal Secretary (Health) instructed Health Department to conduct Intensive IEC programme for general public to create awareness among masses and publicize Govt of India Control Room No. 11-23978046 and Andaman & Nicoabr Islands, Call centre no 03192-232102 to report infections of Corona Virus to the Health Department. It was directed that IEC materials be displayed at Airport, Harbour, Cinema Halls, bus stand and places where general public is gathered. He also requested other Department, ACCI and AATO to coordinate with the Health Department to contain the virus, and to take necessary steps. Principal Secretary (Health) requested public not get panic from rumors and any fake news.
