John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Apr 28: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration today informed that orders have been placed for 3.6 lakh vaccine doses from Serum Institute of India (SII) which has to be delivered within next two months for starting inoculating people of age group 18 to 44 years.
Addressing media persons today the Secretary of Information, Publicity and Tourism of Andaman and Nicobar Administration said that out of these 3.6 lakh doses, 1 lakh doses of vaccines have been requested on immediate basis so that inoculation drive for the people of age group 18 to 44 years could be started immediately.
“The doses what we have now with us at present are for the people of age 45 plus. Those doses cannot be administered to others. Those doses are for a particular purpose and only those people who are 45 + and front line workers can be given those doses,” the Secretary said.
He said once information is received from SII regarding delivery of these doses of vaccine the UT Administration will chalk out a strategy how to vaccinate people of age group 18 to 44 years.
Regarding the increasing number of cases, Mr. Singh said that today total 9 flights landed at Veer Savarkar International Airport in which 568 passengers, including 10 infants reached Port Blair. Out of these passengers, 12 passengers tested Covid-19 positive.
“As you can see the numbers are increasing day by day, which is a matter of grave concern,” the Secretary of IP&T added.
He added that the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration today held an all party meeting to chalk out a strategy to contain the spread of virus and heard opinions of political parties also.
“The Chief Secretary held a meeting with representatives of political parties today in which matters about COVID management have been discussed, the problems and strategies were discussed and suggestions were also taken from the representatives of political parties,” the Secretary said.
He said that one important decision taken today was that the Administration has created a “Rescue Cell”.
“This will be headed by Secretary IT and will have 2 other members, Secretary PWD & Secretary Personnel. The Rescue Cell constituted for proper coordination related to Medical Supplies, Food, Transportation & Evacuation of standard laborers & others during COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned that the public can contact on 03192240127/2388881 and a toll free number i.e. 1077 and a Whatsapp no. 9531888844 through which people can complain about any difficulty,” the Secretary said.
