ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

40.40% population in A &N Islands have been vaccinated: Secretary Health

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Jul 09: The Secretary (Health) Mr. Ram Niwas Sharma informed today that altogether 1 flights with 156 passengers arrived today at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test, the results for today’s RT-PCR are awaited.
While addressing a COVID-19 media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary further pointed out that yesterday (Thursday) among 367 passengers who landed at Port Blair Airport none were found COVID-19 positive during the RT-PCR test.
The Secretary further informed that 168 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj in which none was tested COVID-19 positive during Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Similarly at Heli -pad 06 persons were tested and none of them found COVID-19 positive and at Phoenix Bay jetty also 95 persons were tested, none were detected COVID-19 positive.
The mobile testing team conducted tests on 103 persons at Chouldari in which all were found negative.
“So today altogether 372 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) was conducted on persons and none of them were detected COVID-19 positive and altogether 156 samples of RT-PCR test have gone for testing, the results for today’s RT-PCR test are awaited”, the secretary pointed out.
Giving details about active cases as per reports till yesterday in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 13 active cases in which all 13 are in South Andaman District, the Secretary said.
The secretary further pointed out that at GB Pant Hospital altogether 03 patients are admitted and two of them are on oxygen support.
About the vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that altogether 212003 doses of vaccines have been given to the islanders including first and second doses. 161602 are the eligible persons who have received their first dose and 50401 persons have been given both the doses, fully vaccinated, which is almost 31.19% of people who got their first dose.
In the category of 45 and above, 105350 people have got their first dose and in the category of 18-44 around 56287 people have got their first dose. In Andaman and Nicobar Islands 40.40% of population has been vaccinated by Administration.

Deputy Commissioner and team visit Rangachang and Chidiyatapu areas

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Port Blair, July 09: As a precursive measure to take up developmental projects, the Deputy Commissioner (SA),Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS along with SDM(SA), AC(U/T) and officials from line departments and consultants visited Rangachang and Chidiyatapu areas.
The representatives from APWD, Electricity, NHIDCL and revenue department accompanied the DC(SA) and team. The consultants of the project briefed about the various developmental plans to the DC(SA) on spot. Further the departments concerned raised their queries and the same was discussed in detail. District Administration, being the nodal point anchored all concerned officials to resolve the challenges at the earliest. Senior Officials from all line departments attended the inspection.
District Administration has given its primary importance to the developmental projects of the islands. The DC(SA) reiterated that the development in the Islands is a necessity considering the footfall of tourists, which is bound to rise steadily post the COVID-19 scenario. To meet the requirements, measures and efforts are taken being in this regard in a very calculated manner taking into consideration of the ongoing pandemic.

6845 people vaccinated today in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, July 09: Vaccination drive is going on smoothly in Isles. As per data available, a total of 2,18,848 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands, out of the target beneficiaries of 2, 81, 603 (approx.). A total of 6845 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands. A total of 56,837 eligible people in the age group of 18 to 44 years have been vaccinated till date.
Today, 3018 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 536 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In North & Middle Andaman District, 3390 beneficiaries were vaccinated. In Nicobar District, 437 beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which, 14 were in the age group of 18-44 years, a press release from DHS said.

297 RAT conducted today and none of them tested COVID-19 positive: Secretary IP&T

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Jul 08: The Secretary (Health), Mr. Ram Niwas Sharma informed today said that altogether two flights with 367 passengers arrived today at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test, the results for today’s RT-PCR tests are awaited.
While addressing a COVID-19 media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary further pointed out that yesterday (Monday) among 336 passengers, who landed at Port Blair Airport, none of the passengers were found COVID-19 positive in the RT-PCR test.
The Secretary further informed that 201 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj in which none was tested COVID-19 positive during Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Similarly at Heli -pad 07 persons were tested and none of them was found COVID-19 positive. At Phoenix Bay jetty also 08 persons were tested, none was tested COVID-19 positive.
The mobile testing team conducted RAT on 81 persons at Tushnabad and all were found negative.
“So today altogether 297 Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) were conducted on people and none of them was detected COVID-19 positive and altogether 435 samples of RT-PCR test have gone for testing, the results for today’s RT-PCR test are awaited”, the secretary pointed out.
Giving details about active cases as per reports till yesterday in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 14 active cases in which 13 are in South Andaman District and 01 active case is in North and Middle Andaman District, the Secretary said.
The secretary further pointed out that at GB Pant Hospital altogether 03 patients are admitted and all the three patients are on oxygen support.
About the vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that altogether 2,06,308 doses of vaccines have been given to the islanders including first and second doses. 1,60,981 are the eligible persons who have received their first dose and 45,327 persons have been given both the doses, fully vaccinated, which is almost 28% of people who got their first dose.
In the category of 45 and above, 1,05,117 people have got their first dose and in the category of 18-44 around 55,807 people have got their first dose. Administration has enough doses of vaccines for 45 and above category people but for 18-44 categories the doses of vaccines are awaited.
Today altogether 754 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated. In which 468 beneficiaries were of the age group above 45 year old and 286 were beneficiaries of the age group above 18-44 year old who got their first dose of vaccine.

2,12,003 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, July 08: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 2,12,003 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands, out of the target beneficiaries of 2, 81, 603 (approx.). A total of 5695 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands. A total of 56,287 eligible people in the age group of 18 to 44 years have been vaccinated till date.
3304 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 476 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In North & Middle Andaman District, 1956 beneficiaries were vaccinated. In Nicobar District, 435 beneficiaries were vaccinated.

Information Gap during pandemic as Administration Stops Daily Press Conference on COVID-19

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Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 07: Under the direction of the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Jitendre Narain, the Secretary of IP&T, Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh had started the trend of interacting with media persons on daily basis to share latest information regarding COVID-19 with general public directly and also to clear all doubts and misconception on crucial issues.
Only because of this move people used to get updated information regarding development in COVID-19 scenario on daily basis that too right from senior officers of A & N Administration like the Secretary IP, Secretary Health and Deputy Commissioners etc.
But now it has been observed that since last two days the Press Conference has been cancelled and it has been informed to local media persons that the Press Conference has been cancelled till further order. “There will be no press conference till further order,” a message from IP Division informed media persons.
This move will certainly create a huge gap of information between the Administration and General Public, especially among those who are living in far flung Islands.
It should be noted that although some relaxations has been given to the public in all Districts but still Lockdowns are in place in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are still containment zones and threat of third wave COVID-19 is also looming large, as per national media inputs.
The Secretary of IP&T, A & N Administration was unreachable to comment on this issue over phone, which again shows why such daily and direct interaction with media is important during the time of pandemic.
When contacted the President of Daily Newspaper Association of A & N Islands, Mr. K Ganeshan said that daily press conference was of huge benefit for general public as readers used to get correct dose of information daily and such interaction was very effective against misinformation and fake new. “The daily press conference must continue atleast till lockdowns and containment zones are in place. The Chief Secretary and Secretary IP&T of A & N Administration had started an excellent trend of daily press meet for dissemination of correct information to public and this must continue in larger interest of Public,” Mr. Ganeshan added.

South Andaman District Announces Further Relaxation in Lockdown

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Port Blair, July 06: The District Magistrate of South Andaman, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka has orders extension of Lockdown in South Andaman region with further relaxation shop opening and movement timings.

As per the new orders, shops selling essential and non-essential items shall be allowed to open between06:00 AM to 06:00 PM by observing COVID appropriate behavior. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/In-Charge of the shop/business establishment to ensure its compliance and shall be held responsible for any violation and he/she shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) in addition to sealing of the shop/establishment for a period of 14 days by the Executive Magistrate and shall be liable for action under DM Act.

No movement of men and material other than the time fixed for opening of shops between 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM shall be allowed.

Movement shall be allowed for emergency cases, medical emergencies, pregnant women and patients availing medical services.

Persons engaged for essential activities for movement of goods on Andaman Trunk road, loading and unloading of essential cargo after 06:00 PM shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes issued by the Office of District Magistrate.

Travel of persons after 06:00 PM shall be allowed to proceed to their destinations at mainland on production of valid travel documents. However, the person (one person) who intend to pick/drop after 06:00 PM, should apply for e-pass well in advance with supporting documents and the same shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate on case to case basis.

Movement of officers/officials involved in providing essential services such as District Administration, Police, CISF, Health Services, ICMR, PBMC, Electricity,Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and emergency services, Defence personnel on duty after 06:00 PMshall be permitted on production of valid Identity Cards issued by their concerned departments.

Movement of bare minimum number of Officers/Officials, involved in providing services such as Pay & Accounts, Shipping Services, Forest, Banking, Water Supply & Sanitation in Rural Areas, Disaster Management, Port services and related services, Telecommunication shall be allowed after 06:00 PM on production of movement passes already issued by the Office of District Magistrate. The concerned department should also ensure that such officials are called on for duties on alternate days to maintain COVID appropriate behavior at workplaces.

Movement of personnel involved in providing Broadcasting, all print and electronic media persons after 06:00 PM shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes issued by the Office of District Magistrate.

Movement of bare minimum personnel involved in Private Security Services, Cable Services, Internet Service Providers, POL Outlets, LPG Stores/Godown, ATMs, e-Commerce activities, Cold Storages and Warehouses shall be allowed after 06:00 PM on production of e-passes already issued to such persons by the Office of District Magistrate. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/In-Charge of the shop/business establishment to ensure its compliance and also if any person attached with such organisation is found misusing the e-passes or using the same for purposes other than it is meant for, the owner/in-charge shall be held responsible and he/she shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty FiveThousand Only) and shall also be liable for action under DM Act. The concerned organization should also ensure that such officials are called on for duties on alternate days to maintain COVID appropriate behavior at workplaces.

All POL outlets shall be opened from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

Movement of bare minimum private medical personnel such as Doctors, nursing staff, paramedics etc. attached with diagnostic centres and clinics, veterinary clinics shall be allowed after 06:00 PMon production of e-passes already issued to such persons by the Office of District Magistrate.

Movement of persons from containment zones shall be strictly restricted and shall only be permitted on case to case basis upon approval from the Office of District Magistrate.

Godowns and allied establishments shall be permitted to operate till 06:00 PM for non-business purposes and shall not cater to any customers. Only internal operations, receiving/dispatching of stocks etc. shall be permitted. Establishments violating this provision shall be liable for fine of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only).

Port services will continue to operate as usual and both essential and non-essential cargo can be moved in and out of port, as per requirement for loading/unloading/clearing of cargo and the same shall be permitted till 06:00 PM only.

Construction activities shall be permitted from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Construction activities of national importance and strategic projects beyond 06:00 PM shall be permitted with prior permission of District Magistrate.

Movement of persons involved with Hotels/Restaurants and Mess to be certified by the firm/organisation for home delivery of food shall be allowed till09:00 PM on production of e-passes already issued by the Office of District Magistrate. Dine-in shall be permitted between 06:00 am to 06:00 PM subject to 50% of the seating capacity and strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviors. However, take away/parcel service and home delivery should be encouraged. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/In-Charge of the shop/business establishment to ensure its compliance and also if any person attached with such organisation is found misusing the e-passes or using the same for purposes other than it is meant for, the owner/in-charge shall be held responsible and he/she shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) in addition to sealing of the shop/establishment for a period of 14 days by the Executive Magistrate and shall also be liable for action under DM Act.

Public Transport/Buses shall be allowed to ply with maximum 90% seating capacity including Autos, Taxis and Jeeps in partial modification to this Office Order No.566 dt.23rd April 2021. Transportation of cargo shall also be permitted.SOPs in this regard shall be issued by the Transport department, separately.

The e-passes issued by the Office of the District Magistrate to individuals for movement after 06:00 PM involved in various activities/services shall be revalidated automatically and such individuals need not apply for fresh e-passes.

Sale and service of liquor at licensed premises shall be permitted. SOPs and orders regarding the timings for sale and service of liquor at all licensed establishments (C, C1, B1, B2, B3 and B4 category)shall be issued by the Deputy Commissioner (Excise), South Andaman, separately.

e-pass for emergency movement during restricted timings may be submitted online on https://epass.andaman.gov.in. The applicants/organizations submitting applications for e-pass should invariably submit valid and clear supporting documents, failing which the application will be summarily rejected.

“Any disobedience of the above orders shall invite penal action u/s 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 against the violator(s) and fine shall also be imposed as per Order issued by this office from time to time. This order shall come into effect from 07thJuly 2021 and shall remain in force till 13thJuly 2021,” Lockdown orders issued by the District Magistrate of South Andaman added.

 

Vaccination -a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19

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Port Blair, July 04: As per the vaccination data available, today, a total of 286 beneficiaries in the age group of above 45 years were vaccinated with second dose in N&M Andaman District. Out of the 286 persons vaccinated, 190 were in the age group of 45-59 years while 90 were above 60 years. The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands.
The online registration for the vaccination is done through CoWIN portal and Aarogya Setu App. Online registration is mandatory and no on-site registration is being done and people have been advised to reach the centres as per the time schedule provided to the beneficiaries through the App. The vaccination drive for first dose for 18-44 years is being done at JNRM vaccination centre, Port Blair, Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur. In South Andaman, the vaccination is being done at JNRM Vaccination Centre. The general public have been requested to follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour while going for vaccination, a press release from DHS said.

2802 people vaccinated today in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, July 2: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 1,82,765 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands, out of the target beneficiaries of 2, 81, 603 (approx.). A total of 52,706 eligible people in the age group of 18 to 44 years have been vaccinated till date. A total of 2802 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands.
1641 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 394 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In North & Middle Andaman District, 589 beneficiaries were vaccinated. In Nicobar District, 572 beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which, 207 were in the age group of 18-44 years.

 

1,79,963 beneficiaries vaccinated so far in A&N Islands; 2358 vaccinated Today

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Port Blair, July 01: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 1,79,963 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands, out of the target beneficiaries of 2, 81, 603 (approx.). A total of 52,105 eligible people in the age group of 18 to 44 years have been vaccinated till date. A total of 2358 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands.
1391 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 392 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In North & Middle Andaman District, 556 beneficiaries were vaccinated. In Nicobar District, 411beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which, 152 were in the age group of 18-44 years.