CS reviews measures taken by DHS to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Isles: 328 passengers quarantined in Andaman; as precaution against COVID19

Port Blair, Mar 11: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Chetan B. Sanghi held a meeting today to review the measures being taken by Health Department to contain the spread of Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in Islands. While briefing about the measures taken by Health Department of UT Administration, the Principal Secretary (Health), Shri K R Meena informed that all passengers coming from mainland to Islands are being screened at the Airport and Port/Harbour. The persons who are having symptoms and suspected of COVID-19 are being observed/quarantined.
It was informed that the Department has quarantined 328 passengers as on 11.03.2020 out of which 185 have completed mandatory quarantine period and released and 143 are still under observation. Samples of 02 suspected passengers have been sent to viral laboratory KIPMR Chennai and 01 sample was tested at RMRC-ICMR, Port Blair and all have been found negative.
It was also informed that advisory has been issued to all Political functionaries, Government Departments, Religious Organizations, Schools, Colleges, Movie Theatres, mass transportation to avoid mass gathering to contain spread of COVID-19. They were advised to keep at least one meter distance among the attendees to ensure that infection, if any, does not spread to fellow attendees.
The Department of Health also issued advisory to not rely on rumors regarding various posts available on Social Media and consult either the website of WHO or Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) for taking correct and reliable information about the COVID-19. It was informed that there is no medicine available for the treatment of COVID-19 and the only treatment is containment of the virus from spreading from person to person and for that purpose people should adopt coughing and sneezing etiquette and keep minimum one meter distance from each other. People should frequently wash hands and avoid touching face especially mouth and nose.
The Chief Secretary has appealed all stakeholders to help and cooperate with the Health Department to contain any spread of Corona Virus in the Islands.