Port Blair, Mar 03: The Indian Coast Guard today issued a press note on the issue of publication of news regarding two Coast Guard personnel, who allegedly defied quarantine orders issued by North and Middle Andaman Administration. In the said Press Note the Coast Guard said that Indian Coast Guard is a responsible service and has evolved, over the years, as one of the finest military organisation in the country. The organisation has earned its image through effective resolve and determined approach for service to the nation. “Recently, a news article is being circulated through electronic and social media by a local newspaper reporter. The article regarding ‘unauthorised travel of two Coast Guard personnel suspected of COVID-19 from Diglipur to Port Blair onboard Coast Guard Ship Rajdhwaj’ has been widely circulated on social media platforms, without verification of the facts and details, resulting in rumour-mongering, creating utter chaos and unrest amongst the general public,” the release said. The official release of ICG further added that the fact is Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajdhwaj sailed from Port Blair for routine deployment at on 19 Mar 20 at 1730 hrs. The ship entered Diglipur at 0930 hrs on 21 Mar 20. 02 personnel sailing onboard ICGS Rajdhwaj reported intermitted cough and thus whilst ship’s visit to Diglipur, the said personnel were referred to CHC, Diglipur for check-up. Of these 02 personnel, 01 person had travel history to Delhi and reported onboard ship on 03 Mar 20 and 14 days of mandated quarantine period had completed on 17 Mar 20. During the sailing, all personnel onboard are being regularly checked for any symptoms regarding COVID-19 including fever. “At the time of personnel being presented to CHC, Diglipur, the personnel were not having any fever or breathlessness. The CMO advised for quarantining the individuals at CG premises. The personnel were conveyed through an ambulance to CHC, Diglipur and nowhere the said personnel came in contact with civil populace at Diglipur. With due consideration to facilities available at Port Blair and quarantining capacity of the ship and after verbal concurrence of SDM taken by COMDIS-9, the said personnel were brought back to Port Blair on 22 Mar 20 and said concerned individuals have been quarantined in ICG premises at Port Blair. Further, as a precaution, full ships personnel of ICGS Rajdhwaj have been quarantined onboard ship at Port Blair,” the release said. The said 02 personnel have been checked by Specialist Medical Officer at INHS Dhanvantari and have been found to be asymptomatic for COVID-19. “Indian Coast Guard is committed in its efforts to fight against COVID-19 jointly with civil administration. As a precautionary measure, all ICG personnel reporting ex-mainland are being quarantined for a period of 14 days despite being asymptomatic as a policy in addition to any personnel with symptom of cough,” the release added.
