ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Two passengers tested positive during RAT test at Ferrargunj Today: Secretary IP&T

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari

Port Blair, Jun 16: The Secretary IP&T Mr. SK Singh today informed that two flights with 287 passengers arrived this morning 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 informed that 105 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj in which 02 travelers were tested COVID-19 positive during Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
Mr. SK Singh further pointed out that yesterday (Tuesday), among 281 passengers, who landed at Port Blair Airport, none were found COVID-19 positive during RT-PCR test.
About the vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 464 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated. In which 46 beneficiaries were of the age group above 45 year old and 418 were beneficiaries of the age group above 18-44 year old who got their first dose of vaccine.
He further pointed out that altogether Andaman and Nicobar Islands have approximately 60000 beneficiaries under NFSA, among which 12533 beneficiaries are AAY cardholders and 46209 beneficiaries are PHH cardholders.
He said that at Nicobar District altogether 9187 beneficiaries are AAY and 8794 beneficiaries of PHH cardholders. Similarly at South Andaman District it has 3119 beneficiaries of AAY and 13735 beneficiaries of PHH cardholders. Whereas at North and Middle Andaman District 3227 beneficiaries are AAY and 24373 beneficiaries are PHH cardholders, he added.
Later the Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal, informed to media persons that no new COVID patients were admitted today in G.B. Pant Hospital and 02 patients got discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in the Hospital is 18. Out of the 18 patients, 14 are on Oxygen support.
The Deputy Director GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De said that today there was 02 new admission and 02 discharge reported at COVID Care Centers and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 11 and at Wimberlygunj COVID Care Center 06 are admitted till date, he added.

93 People tested positive at Little Andaman out of 124 samples collected

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Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 16: In a crucial development as many as 93 people have been tested COVID-19 positive in Little Andaman Islands, among 124 samples for RT-PCR collected from the Island recently, highly placed sources told Andaman Sheekha today.
Meanwhile, in view of detection of a large number of COVID-19 positive cases in Little Andaman, all villages under Little Andaman Tehsil have been declared as Containment zone, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. The order has been issued by the District Magistrate of South Andaman.

Vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, June 16: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per the data received from Health Department, a total of 1, 34, 722 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands. A total of 1127 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands while the number of eligible people vaccinated in the age group of 18 to 44 years stood at 15, 081 in isles.
659 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 594 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In N&M Andaman, 300 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 were vaccinated. In Nicobar District, 168 beneficiaries were vaccinated out of which 158 were in the age group of 18-44 years.

Gross misusing e- passes detected; More than 100 challans were issued within a span of one hour

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Port Blair, June 16: South Andaman District Administration has taken various measures for bringing down the Covid-19 positive cases.In the same regard lockdown restrictions have been imposed to reduce the movement of people and fight the pandemic in the district.
In this connection to check the movement of people on road, under the instructions of Shri Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Commissioner (SA), the SDM(SA), AC(S) and AC(U/T) inspected vehicle movement at Bathubasti and Junglighat areas, whereas other revenue officers too conducted such inspections at different locations. During the said inspectionsby the District Administration officials, it was found that many vehicles are on the roads without e-pass and many were found misusing e- passes. The violators were issued challans and were given stern warning for violating the lockdown restrictions. More than 100 challans were issued within a span of one hour which shows lack of seriousness from the public.
The District Administration has imposed lockdown in South Andaman District for the health and safety of general public considering the surge in positive cases. The attempt was to reduce the unwanted movement of public so as to bring down the positive cases in the district, so that COVID is eliminated from the District and normalcy is reinstated. But to achieve the same, the public has to follow the restrictions, adopt COVID appropriate behaviour and cooperate with the Administration in its efforts/fight against this pandemic without which the efforts will not be fruitful.
The DC(SA) reiterated that stringent actions will be taken against the violators and has once again requested the general public to follow the lockdown restrictions in letter and spirit and also avoid unwanted and unnecessary movement for the safety of their family and society as whole, which would definitely help the Administration in its fight against the pandemic.The special teams of Executive Magistrate and Sub-Inspectors is being deployed to monitor the vehicle movement and public is requested to behave responsibly and follow guidelines.

Director CS & CA directs all vegetable vendors to display price list; Cautions against overcharging

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Jun 15: Mr. Deepak Pundir, Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs today directed all the vegetable vendors to display the price list.
“On the price of vegetables, I would like to mention that every retail vendor has to display the rate list and the rate list which is being displayed should be properly implemented,” he added.
While addressing a COVID-19 media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Director mentioned that last week rigorous enforcement was done in Markets and challan were issued for the same.
He informed that all beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) under National Food Security Act (NFSA) only Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) Ration Card holders per person can collect 5kg Rice per month, free of cost from their nearest FPS shops for the month of May and June. He further pointed out that Andaman and Nicobar Islands have approximately 60000 beneficiaries under NFSA.
He further appealed to all NFSA beneficiaries (PHH & AAY Card holders) entitled for the year ending 2020-21; they can collect 12kg of sugar from their nearest FPS shops before 30 June 2021.
During the conference, the Secretary IP&T Mr. SK Singh informed that today altogether three flights with 281 passengers arrived today at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test, the results for today’s RT-PCR are awaited.
He further informed that 133 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj in which none was tested COVID-19 positive during Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
Mr. SK Singh further pointed out that yesterday (Monday) 260 passengers landed at Port Blair Airport, among them 04 were found COVID-19 positive during RT-PCR test.
About the vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 418 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated. In which 33 beneficiaries were of the age group above 45 year old and 385 were beneficiaries of the age group above 18-44 year old who got their first dose of vaccine.
The secretary further pointed out that the Administration is completely monitoring the availability of essential commodities, there is no shortage in islands and ships are being scheduled timely so that there won’t be any shortage. Administration is also continuously monitoring the price of vegetables.
Later the Deputy Director GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De informed the media persons that today 01 patient got discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in the Hospital is 22. Out of the 22 patients, 13 are on Oxygen support and 02 patients are on ventilators.
He further said that today one new admission was reported at COVID Care Centers and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 11, similarly at Wimberlygunj COVID care center altogether 06 COVID-19 patients are admitted.

Revised guidelines for implementation of National COVID Vaccination Programme*

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Port Blair, June 15:  The Lt Governor, A&N Islands had made a request to Prime Minister on 31/05/2021 for providing the vaccine doses directly by the Central Government for the category of 18-44 years of age group as per the earlier system of 45+ age group, free of cost.

       Pursuant to the above request of Lt. Governor, A & N Islands, the Govt. of India announced the revised guidelines on 08.06.2021 for implementation of National COVID Vaccination Programme. Under these guidelines, the vaccine doses are to be provided by the Central Government to States/ UTs free of cost for the category of 18-44 years of age also. The revised guidelines have been issued in this regard which state that Government of India will procure 75% of the vaccine doses being produced by the manufacturers in the country and it will be provided free of cost to States/UTs as has been the case from the commencement of the National Vaccination programme and these doses will be administered by the States/UTs free of cost to all the citizens as per priority through Government Vaccination Centres. The Prioritized groups will be:

*Health Care Workers

*Front Line Workers

*Citizens more than 45 years of age

*Citizens whose second dose has become due

*Citizens 18 years and above

These revised guidelines will come into effect from 21/06/2021 and will be reviewed time to time by the Government of India.

Now, the A&N Administration has decided the following groups will be prioritized in the age group of 18-44 years:

*All Govt. employees serving in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

*Employees working in public carriage services.

*Persons with Co-morbidity.

*Media personnel.

*Essential commodity suppliers and their staff.

*Any other vulnerable population.

     The A&N Administration is working at war footing to vaccinate 100% of its general populace and make this UT a COVID free territory. The kind cooperation from the general public is highly solicited during this pandemic period, a press release from Directorate of Health Services said.

 

1,33,595 people vaccinated so far in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, June 15: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per the data received from Health Department, a total of 1, 33, 595 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands.
A total of 1053 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands while the number of eligible people vaccinated in the age group of 18 to 44 years stood at 14, 029 in isles. 636 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 572 were in the age group of 18-44 years.
In N&M Andaman, 310 beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which 299 were in the age group of 18-44 years while the remaining were above 45. In Nicobar District, 107 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years were vaccinated.

 

Results of Mobile RAT team tests showing constant decrease in the number of positive cases

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Port Blair, June 15: The South Andaman District Administration is proactively and efficiently carrying out the testing aspect of the 5-fold strategy of COVID Management. The Mobile RAT team is conducting tests at various locations within South Andaman District and also arrangements have been made for collection of RTPCR samples from Little Andaman.
In order to conduct tests on random samples in the District and also to increase the testing facilities during the lockdown a Mobile Rapid Antigen Testing team has been started from 20th May 2021, which visits various locations within the District to collect samples of suspected ILI/SARI cases. The team has so far collected more than 100 random samples each from different areas, which include Mannarghat, Jirkatang, Ograbraj, Wandoor, Mathura, Dundus Point, Wimberlygunj, Nayapuram, Caddlegunj, Shoal Bay, Beachdera, Bengali Basti, Brindaban, Guptapara, Rangachang, Burmanallah, Kodiyaghat, Chouldari, Gopal Nagar, Mithakhari, Namunaghar, Ranchi Basti, Collinpur, Indira Nagar, Tushnabad, Manglutan, Chidiyatapu, Teylerabad, New Bimblitan, Mile Tilak and Calicut. The results have shown a constant decrease in the number of positive cases and this can be accredited to the lockdown restrictions imposed in the District.
Further in order to have a thorough check of suspected cases, the District Administration, has started RTPCR testing in Little Andaman, wherein samples are being collected through helicopter by a special team constituted for this purpose. Today samples from different villages of Little Andaman have been taken and brought for RTPCR test in this regard. The District Administration is reaching out to the remotest locations of the District in every way possible to mitigate the various problems being faced by the general public during this pandemic and lockdown.
Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Commissioner (SA) reiterated Testing, Tracing, Treatment, Isolation and Vaccination will be meticulously implemented in the District till this pandemic vanishes from the island. All required measures to ensure the safety and health of public will be prioritised and for this DC(SA) also appealed to the general public to maintain social distance, avoid unnecessary movement and follow COVID appropriate behaviour.

 

South Andaman extends lockdown for seven more days with minor relaxations

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Vikramaditya

Port Blair, June 14: The South Andaman District today extended the lockdown for seven more days with minor relaxation on movement of people and market timing.

As per the new order issued today by the District Magistrate of South Andaman the lockdown shall come into effect from 15th June 2021 and shall remain in force till 21st June 2021.

As per new Lockdown orders essential shops can now remain open for two more hours from 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM.

Shops dealing with non-essential items shall be allowed to open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM by observing COVID appropriate behavior.

According to the new orders, Gathering of any kind will not be allowed, all religious places will be closed for public worship and Home delivery of food will be allowed from 8AM to 9 PM.

As per the last update, there are 109 COVID-19 active cases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and since the beginning total 7269 people have been tested COVID-19 positive in this UT out of which 7034 people have recovered.

In the first and second waves of COVID-19 altogether 126 deaths have been recorded due to COVID-19 infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Commercial vehicles such as Autos and Taxis shall be permitted to ply between 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM only with maximum two passengers.

Similar extension of Lockdown has been ordered by District Magistrate of North and Middle Andaman with minor relaxations.

According to the new lockdown extension order:
1. Lockdown to be imposed in the entire District of South Andaman with effect from 15.06.2021.
2. Shops selling essential items such as Provision Stores, Vegetable shops, shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits, dairy and milk booth/shop, meat and fish, animal feed/fodder, bakeries shall be allowed to open between 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM 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 shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) in addition to sealing of the shop/establishment for a period of 14 days by the Executive Magistrate.
3. No movement of men and material other than the time fixed for opening of shops between 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM shall be allowed.
4. Movement shall be allowed for emergency cases, medical emergencies, pregnant women and patients availing medical services.
5. Persons engaged for essential activities for movement of goods on Andaman Trunk road, loading and unloading of essential cargo shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
6. Travel of persons after 10:00 AM 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 10:00 AM, 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.  
7. Movement of officers/officials involved in providing essential services such as District Administration, Police, CISF, Health Services, ICMR, PBMC, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and emergency services, Defence personnel on duty after 10:00 AM shall be permitted on production of valid Identity Cards issued by their concerned departments.
8. Movement of bare minimum number of Officers/Officials, involved in providing services such as Pay & Accounts, Shipping Services, Forest, Banking, Electricity, Water Supply & Sanitation in Rural Areas, Disaster Management, Port services and related services, Telecommunication shall be allowed after 10:00 AM 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.
9. Movement of persons going for COVID vaccination after 10:00 AM shall be permitted subject to production of acknowledgment slip/SMS.
10. Movement of personnel involved in providing Broadcasting, all print and electronic media persons after 10:00 AM shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
11. 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 till 06:00PMon 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 shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand 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.
12. All POL outlets shall be opened from 06.00 AM to 01.00 PM.
13. 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 10:00 AM on production of e-passes already issued to such persons by the Office of District Magistrate.
14. 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.
15. Godowns and allied establishments shall be permitted to operate beyond 10:00 AM 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).
16. 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.
17. Persons involved in distribution of milk shall be permitted till 06:00 PM on production of e-passes already issued/to be issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
18. No constructional activities shall be permitted, however construction activities of national importance and strategic projects shall be permitted with the permission of the District Magistrate.
19. Movement of persons involved with Hotels/Restaurants and Mess to be certified by the firm/organisation for home delivery of food shall be allowed between 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM on production of e-passes already issued 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 shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five 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.
20. Shops dealing with non-essential itemsshall be allowed to open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM 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, the owner/in-charge shall be held responsible and he 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.
21. Commercial vehicles such as Autos and Taxis shall be permitted to ply between 06:00 AM to 10:00 AMonly with maximum two passengers.
22. 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.

Four passengers, who arrived yesterday, tested COVID-19 positive

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, June 14: The Secretary IP&T Mr. S K Singh today said that two flights with 260 passengers arrived today at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test and results for today’s RT-PCR are awaited.
While addressing a COVID-19 media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary informed that 61 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj, in which one was tested COVID-19 positive during Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
Mr. SK Singh further pointed out that yesterday (Sunday) the passengers who landed at Port Blair Airport, among 344 passengers 04 were found COVID-19 positive during RT-PCR test.
About the vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 447 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated. In which 40 beneficiaries were of the age group above 45 year old and 407 were beneficiaries of the age group above 18-44 year old who got their first dose of vaccine.
The Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal, informed the media persons that today there was one new COVID patient admitted in G.B. Pant Hospital and 04 patients got discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in the Hospital is 23. Out of the 23 patients, 16 are on Oxygen support and one patient is on ventilators.
Later the Deputy Director GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De said that today one new admission was reported at COVID Care Centers and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 10.