Port Blair, May 28: The A&N Administration is fully prepared to fight COVID-19 and in this regard, the South Andaman District has initiated various proactive steps including the imposition of lockdown in the South Andaman District. Further, actions have been initiated to enforce COVID restrictions at all places and for management of COVID Care Centres and GB Pant Hospital.
It is to mention that 86 oxygen concentrators provided by a firm were received today by the Administration due to the efforts of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Jitendra Narain. In the past also, a large number of Oxygen Concentrators were received from various companies due to the efforts of Chief Secretary. The delivery of these Oxygen Cylinders will further augment the health facility in A&N Islands. On behalf of A&N Administration, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Commissioner (SA), SDM (SA) and AC (U/T) received the 86 Oxygen concentrators donated by M/s Larson and Toubro Limited, for the benefit of people of these Islands. Accordingly, the same has been handed over to the medical authorities for proper utilisation in the treatment of COVID patients requiring oxygen support.
Meanwhile, the Containment Zones at Shadipur, Lillypur, Old Pahargaon and Dairy Farm have been reduced in view of no fresh cases being reported from there. However, the District Administration is keeping a strict vigil over the conditions in all these areas.
A part from this, to ensure availability of essential commodities at the door steps of the people, e-passes are being issued to firms and agencies engaged in delivery of essential commodities. The issue of e-passes is being streamlined and it is being ensured that e-passes are issued on priority to the firms/agencies who are engaged in door to door delivery of essential commodities like groceries, medicine and vegetables during the lockdown so that there is limited movement of people in the market for purchase of such items.
The District Administration is committed in doing its best to improve health facilities and manage the COVID situation and cooperation of public is solicited in carrying it out effectively, a press release received from DC (SA) said.
Concerns expressed over violation of COVID-19 protocol by Public: Passengers arriving at Port Blair Airport will have to undergo RTPCR test from now: Secretary IP&T
John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, May 26: The Secretary of IP&T, Mr. SK Singh today said that earlier the administration used to conduct Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) on the passengers arriving at Port Blair but from today it has been decided to conduct RTPCR Test on arriving passengers at Port Blair.
Addressing COVID-19 daily media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T the Secretary IP&T added that total two flights landed at Port Blair Airport today in which 283 passengers arrived. The passengers were taken to ITF Ground by bus of the Transport Department and RTPCR test were conducted on these passengers. So the results may take time.
“However these passengers have been sent to their respective house and also have been asked to stay under quarantine for seven days,” he pointed out. He further informed that 27 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman and during the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on these passengers at Ferrargunj none of them were found COVID-19 positive.
Regarding RTPCR tests, he said that RTPCR tests are better test than RAT and Administration doesn’t want to take any chances.
Mr. Singh said that growing number of COVID-19 violation cases during the shop opening hours in the morning has once again raised concerns.
“The Administration has noticed from past two day’s data shows that the behavior of people has not changed which is a cause of great concern for administration. Although the time of people’s movement has been confined still the administration is surprised to see the number of violators,” he added.
He further urged to the people to avoid violation, the number of contact cases should come down which is the primary target and if it doesn’t happen them administration might think of going for a complete lockdown.
About vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 335 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated among which 315 beneficiaries were of age group above 18-44 years old.
The Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal, informed that 12 new COVID patients were admitted today in G.B. Pant Hospital and 05 patients were discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in Hospital is 75. Out of the 75 patients, 64 are on Oxygen support and 04 are on ventilator.
Dr. Amitabh De, Deputy Director Health said that today no new patients were admitted at COVID Care Centers whereas 06 patients got discharged and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 25.
4258 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years vaccinated till date in Isles
Port Blair, May 26: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands and so far, a total of 4258 eligible people in the age group of 18 to 44 years were vaccinated till date. As per the data received, altogether, 315 persons in the age group of 18 to 44 years were vaccinated in South Andaman today while 282 persons were vaccinated in North & Middle Andaman.
Similarly, a total of 617 beneficiaries both in the age group of 18-44 years and 45 and above were vaccinated today. In South Andaman, 335 beneficiaries were vaccinated while in North and Middle Andaman, 282 people were inoculated. With this, a total of 1,22,608 doses of vaccines have been administered so far in A&N Islands.
Meanwhile, 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. In South Andaman, the vaccination is being done at JNRM Vaccination Centre between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm. The general public have been requested to follow COVID Appropriate Behavior while going for vaccination, a press release from DHS said.
UT has 1025 Oxygen Concentrators but good news is that number of patients, dependent on Oxygen, is decreasing: Secretary IP&T
John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, May 24: The Secretary IP&T, Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh said that today was the second day of complete lockdown in South Andaman, and some officers went on inspection for checking in the market, during which it was found that people were strictly following COVID Appropriate Behavior during opening of shops from 6 AM to 8 AM. None of them were found violating the COVID protocols and guidelines.
While addressing a COVID-19 Media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary of IP&T told media persons that today only one flight with 68 passengers landed at Port Blair Airport and none of them was found COVID-19 positive. He further informed that 19 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj and none of them were found COVID-19 positive. “Situations are quite improving, but still it is a long journey and administration will keep an eye on COVID-19 cases for next 3-4 days depending on situations”, the Secretary pointed out.
About vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 410 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated, which consisted of 40 beneficiaries of age group above 45 year old ,who got their first dose of vaccine and 370 beneficiaries of age group above 18-44 year old. He further pointed out that still around 370-380 people of age group above 45+ are there in these Islands who haven’t taken their first dose of vaccination yet.
The Director, Health Services, Dr. Omkar Singh stated that Administration has about 1025 oxygen concentrators. He said, consignment of about 270 oxygen concentrators arrived on May 23 while another 230 will be reaching Port Blair shortly. He further mentioned that in addition to existing 1025 concentrators, about 1000 more oxygen concentrators will be procured. As of now, sufficient stock of oxygen cylinders and concentrators are available, he said adding that concentrators are also provided to individual based on the recommendation of Doctors. He also clarified that no case of Black Fungus (mucormycosis) has been reported from Isles. About vaccination drive, he said, on daily basis vaccination are administered to 18+ age group and another 10,000 doses of vaccine will reach Port Blair in a couple days. He said the registration for vaccine is only done through CoWIN portal and no on-site registration is done
The Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal said that as per data available, 76 persons are admitted in GB Pant Hospital. 11 new COVID patients were admitted today while 14 patients were discharged. He said 65 patients are on Oxygen support and 6 are on ventilators.
The Secretary of IP&T added that altogether the administration now has 1025 oxygen concentrators and some OCs are being sent to every district of A & N Islands.
The number of patients, dependent on oxygen support has reduced. Yesterday the number was 72 and today the number has reduced to 65.
Minimum loss due to Preparedness of N&M Andaman District Administration: DC
Trinath & Vikramaditya
Billiground, May 25: Dr. Angel Bhati Chauhan, DC, NMA today informed through telephonic conversation that during the recent adverse weather conditions due to Cyclone Yaas, many areas of witnessed damages but due to the proactive action of the N & M Andaman District Administration no causality has been reported.
She further added that reports of some damages to some houses in Baratang and Government Quarter in Mayabunder have been received but with the immediate action of the line department the repair works of the houses and quarters is being carried out.
According to the DC in some areas of North and Middle Andaman farmers have lost their poultry animals for which the District Administration is making best efforts to compensate those farmers. She added that if more such reports of losses are received, efforts will be made to compensate the farmers.
She further added that the team of NDRF team could not do arrive from Chennai due to Cyclonic weather, but 25 members from the permanent team of NDRF, which was stationed at Port Blair has arrived at NMA and they proceeded to different effected area of NMA District with the directions DM,NMA to help the Islanders.
The DC said that during the Cyclonic weather conditions, people of North and Middle Andaman extended full cooperation.
Indian Coast Guard prepared and Geared for Response Towards Cyclone Yaas
Port Blair, May 25: As per IMD report, the Cyclone ‘Yaas’ has now intensified into a Severe Cyclone over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal and is moving northwestwards with a speed of about 10 Kmph. It is very likely to move north-northwards, intensify further into Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during next 12 hours.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG), with the first indication of the Cyclone as early as on 19 May 21, geared-up its response and preparations towards preventive and pre-emptive measures in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to minimise the loss of life and property at sea. ICG has formed a special team to monitor the preparations and coordinate with civil agencies to mitigate any threat posed by the Cyclonic storm. ICG ships and aircraft have been extensively deployed at sea, broadcasting and alerting the fishing boats and merchant vessels about the Cyclone warning. All ICG units including aviation assets have been maintaining high level of readiness to respond to emergent maritime SAR and disaster relief contingencies. ICG efforts towards preventive measures include 16 ship deployments and 09 aircraft sorties in A & N region since 19 May 21.
Coordinated efforts of ICG, fisheries and district administration has ensured return of all 68 fishing boats at sea to nearest fishing harbour/ place of safety. Close liaison and coordination is being maintained with fisheries and village Pradhans for accounting of fishing boats and sensitising fishing community on persisting rough seas/inclement weather at sea and urging the fishermen to refrain from moving out to sea till improvement of weather. Regular radio broadcasts through ‘All India Radio’ are being aired for safety of fishermen and general public.
Further, ICG ‘Regional Operating Centre’ (ROC) at Port Blair is incessantly relaying weather alert messages on MMB radio at regular intervals to alert both fishing and merchant fleet. Weather warnings through Navtex transmitting stations are being issued regularly to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Ships at anchorage are being monitored by ICG ‘ROC’ and are advised to take necessary safety measures. Close liaison and continuous communication is being maintained by ICG ROC and MRCC with Port Control for safety of ships at anchor.
In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) have been formed by all CG stations in A & N for undertaking disaster response operations. These DRTs have been carrying out regular drills/ exercises at unit level as part of training and are adequately equipped with disaster relief gears/ equipment including inflatable boats, Life buoys and lifejackets. In addition, Pollution Response equipment/ gears have also been kept standby for quick mobilisation and response in case of any eventuality. All actions and response measures are being undertaken maintaining COVID-19 protocol.
GREETINGS
On the auspicious occasion of “Buddha Purnima”, I extend my warm greetings to the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Lord Buddha showed the path of peace, non-violence and universal fraternity to the entire human race on which we can live a better and happier life.
In view of the COVID -19 Pandemic, I would like to appeal to the Islanders to follow all the guidelines related to Social distancing, COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, adopting Covid Vaccination and celebrate this festival keeping in mind the safety to themselves and their family.
On this joyous occasion, I wish that people of these Islands live in perfect peace and harmony.
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman & Nicobar Islands &
Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency
RAT Test on the Move for symptomatic and ILI/ SARI/suspect cases
Port Blair, May 25: The South Andaman District Administration is relentlessly working for preventing the surge of Covid-19 cases in the district. In this regard administration has initiated mobile Rapid Antigen Testing in the district.
The mobile RAT team is on the move conducting RAT test of symptomatic and ILI/ SARI/suspect cases in the entire South Andaman District, covering all the areas Port Blair and surrounding rural areas.
The mobile teams conducted tests at Gopal Nagar and Chouldhari on 24.05.2021. And today they have conducted the tests at Wandoor. Testing of these symptomatic cases is required for effective monitoring and treatment of the patients. Regular follow up of these patients is being carried out by the doctors in the DC control room, who monitor heart rate, SpO2 & other symptoms of the patients twice a day. Administration requests public to give correct information for effective follow up and treatment.
Shri Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Commissioner (SA), SDM(SA) and AC(UT) inspected the mobile team at Wandoor today and interacted with the doctors, paramedic staff and Ex-PRI members. During the interaction the DC(SA) appreciated the dedication and devotion with which the mobile team is performing the daunting task in this pandemic.
The Administration requests support and cooperation of public to fight COVID-19 pandemic especially in these adverse cyclonic weather.
72 patients are still on oxygen support, 06 on ventilators which is a matter of concern for Administration: Secretary IP&T
John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, May 24: The Secretary IP&T, Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh today said that complete lockdown in South Andaman has started from today and all shopkeepers have been urged to strictly adhere to COVID Appropriate Behavior during opening of shops from 6 AM to 8 AM. He said that IAS and IFS officers were deputed to monitor violation and large scale checking were done today.
While addressing a COVID-19 Media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary of IP&T told to all Media persons that due to bad weather condition no flights landed at Port Blair Airport today and hence no RAT was done today at airport. He further informed that only 18 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj and none of them were found COVID-19 positive.
About vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 399 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated, which consisted of 10 beneficiaries of age group above 45 year old who got their first dose of vaccine and 389 beneficiaries of age group above 18-44 year old among which 328 beneficiaries were from South Andaman and 61 were from Nicobar District.
The Deputy Director of Health, Dr. Amitabh De informed that 02 new COVID patients were admitted today in G.B. Pant Hospital and 03 patients were discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in hospital is 84. Out of the 84 patients, 72 are on Oxygen support and 06 are on ventilator.
Dr. De further said that today no new patients were admitted at COVID Care Centers whereas 06 patients got discharged and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 47 and at Wimberlygunj COVID Care Center no new admission is reported niter any discharge took place, at present 04 patients are admitted till date, there is little bit of improvement the Director pointed out.
“72 patients are still on oxygen support and 06 on ventilators which is a matter of concern for the Administration. The Doctors are doing their best. Each and every life is precious for us. Keeping this mind the administration is imposing restriction in these Islands,” the Secretary pointed out.
Indiscriminate power cut in many localities of Tylerabad and Loha Barrack areas upset Islanders
Port Blair, May 24: Many localities of Tylerabad and Loha Barrack have been witnessing indiscriminate power cuts since last three days because of which people have been suffering heavily.
According to public, the IMFC flat complex and few houses there is no power since yesterday and even before that for two long days there were massive power cuts in the region. “Neither we can charge our mobile nor we can fill our water tanks using water pumps. During this lockdown period life has become hell for us,” said a resident of IMFC flat complex.
When contacted the SE of Electricity Department, Mr. Ajit Barnard said that due to cyclonic weather power lines snapped in many areas and many such complaints were received from Islands. Regarding Tylerabad, Mr. Barnard said that a tree branch snapped main power lines of 33 KVA Sub Station Garacharma, because of which this problem was seen. But he claimed that by 5.00 PM the power was restored. Other sources in department said that a few houses in the area, where lines could not be restored, will be attended tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, in Loha Barrack the condition is further worse and public complained that the JE of the area is not even picking up calls of public, who are in distress.
A massive tree fell in Loha Barrack area yesterday snapping power lines but villagers worked for several hours to remote the tree but even after than the JE did not turn up to even restore the power cables. “We even went to bring the JE in our own vehicles but he said he is coming in as soon as possible but even after 24 hours he did not come. His mobile is also unreachable and we will have to stay in total darkness tonight in this cyclonic weather,” said a villager of Loha Barrack. When Andaman Sheekha tried to contact the JE, his number was unreachable.