John Wilbert & Sarthak Kanjilall
Port Blair, Mar 05: Don’t believe in rumors getting circulated in WhatsApp and other social media platforms about COVID- 19, appealed the Director, Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Omkar Singh to all the Islanders today.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha today, Dr. Omkar Singh urged the residents of the Islands that there is no need for panic and the Health Department is fully prepared to handle this situation.
“If at all one wants to believe anything related to COVID- 19, then kindly believe the information published in the World Health Organization’s website or the information available on the website of the Ministry of Health,” Dr. Omkar said.
Dr. Omkar further said that as of now no case of COVID- 19 has been confirmed in the Islands, “We are keeping a close watch on the situation and hence, there is no need to fear about anything,” Dr. Omkar added.
Dr. Omkar further said that till now the information received about COVID- 19, the colonization of the virus takes place in the lungs, hence, we suggest everybody to wash their hands frequently and wear a mask, so that it doesn’t spread from the infected body.
“COVID- 19 is not dangerous than Ebola virus, the mortality rate is too low at around 2-3%,” Dr. Omkar said.
The Director of Health Services also informed the Islanders that looking at the frequency in which the disease is spreading, yesterday, an advisory has also been issued to check all the people entering in these Islands from the mainland.
Dr. Omkar also said that suppose the number of cases arises, the department will accordingly upgrade itself to fight against the virus.
“At every stage, the government is committed to stop this virus, we are trying our best that it doesn’t enter our Islands,” Dr. Omkar added.
Finally, Dr. Omkar said that because of the Andaman and Nicobar Health Department’s preparation till date no case of COVID-19 has been reported from these Islands.
