Citizens’ Corner : 24/06/2021

* Some regular PBMC workers are seen driving Autorikshaws to add more bucks in their pockets that too during duty hours and beyond. I am working in the APWD, so can I too drive any auto, taxi or cargo van, during or after duty hours? Please. So that, we can earn more and more, keeping the unemployed and poor islanders aside.

* Administration is extending lockdown by giving some more relaxations suitably according to COVID-19 situation in the A&N Islands. However, it is also the responsibility of the citizens of islands to move by following COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) in the permissible timing seriously. In other words we should assume the CAB as part of our routine behavior, so that we all can win the fight against any variant of Coronavirus.

* In this modern world, when everybody during lockdown keeping themselves busy with electronic gazettes to stop themselves move outside from their homes, the frequent power cuts and fluctuation by the electricity department  is damaging the electronic gazettes (TVs, Phones, Modems, Fridges, Washing Machines, and etc.) is becoming more burden for them economically.

* General public are befooled by some Private Hospitals in the islands at several occasion at large scale, and in a recent revelation, 'a well-known Private Hospital in city takes about Rs.17,00,000/- to treat a patient', as per verified information. In response, Islands' District Administration & Health Department three weeks ago has issued a notices to the said Private Hospital asking clarification within 3 days against the treatment and charges. But, seems the authorities didn't get any clarification from the said Pvt. Hospital, yet. 

Secy. (IP&T) urges general public to continue support to fight against COVID-19

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, June 23: The Secretary (IP&T), Shri Sunil Kumar Singh addressing the media persons on COVID-19 status in the Islands held in the conference hall of IP&T here this evening said that during the RT-PCR conducted on 297 incoming passengers who arrived here yesterday by flight, 6 positive cases have been detected despite carrying RT-PCR report from mainland. He further informed that 2 flights with 285 passengers arrived today and the RT-PCR reports are awaited. He also stated that during the RAT conducted on 259 passengers proceeding to N&M Andaman at Ferrargunj no positive case has been detected. He said, that today till 4 pm, 476 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 440 were in the age group of 18-44 and the rest were above 45 plus age group.

The Secretary further said that the A&N Administration is committed to protect the Islanders against the COVID pandemic, however, the support of general public is very much important towards the fight against COVID-19 virus. COVID- appropriate behaviour and adhering to COVID protocol by every individual will help to restrict and contain the spread of the virus.

The Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal disclosed that the 13 COVID positive patients are presently undergoing treatment in the G.B Pant Hospital. Today, 1 COVID patient was discharged. Out of the 13 patients, 9 patients are on Oxygen support and no patient is on ventilator, he added. 

The Deputy Director, G.B Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De disclosed that in the three COVID Care Centres functioning in Port Blair, 1 patient was discharged. Altogether, 3 patients are presently being taken care of in these three COVID Care Centres while 1 person was admitted in COVID Care Centre Wimberlygunj and 3 patients are presently in this Centre, he added.

3914 people were vaccinated today; drive is continuing smoothly

Port Blair, June 23: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per the data received from Health Department, a total of 1,44, 816 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands. A total of 3914 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 24,608 in isles.

2343 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which, 2281 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In North & Middle Andaman District, 783 beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which, 769 were in the age group of 18-44 years. In Nicobar District, 788 beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which, 755 were in the age group of 18-44 years.

MP called on LG

Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Hon'ble MP, A&N Islands called on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon'ble Lt Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency. Discussed further relaxations in COVID-19 regime, Identifying additional PPP Projects for Tourism and Hospitality in the Islands & expediting the ongoing projects.

Proactive step by District Administration contains the further spread COVID-19 in Little Andaman

Port Blair, June 21: Due to the sudden surge in COVID positive cases, the entire villages under Little Andaman was declared as containment zone. The District Administration has taken various proactive steps to contain the further spread of COVID among the inhabitants of the island.

The District Administration has stationed Director (RD) and Dy. SP for the strict monitoring of containment measures and also a community medical expert is also posted to supplement the existing medical team and therapeutically address the COVID situation.

The Director (RD) has taken all necessary steps to control the situation on war-footing and ensure the containment measures. A total of 127 staff from various departments has been engaged for field surveillance, who are conducting door to door survey and collecting information regarding the health status. Further two teams consisting of 17 staffs is also formed acting as Supervisors and Coordinators for collecting the information from the field staffs for providing medical guidance, medicines and other required help/guidance to the public.

Further during his visit to Little Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, District Magistrate (SA) had instructed the officers deputed there to ensure that all essential supplies are delivered door to door and no inconvenience is caused to the general public in any manner, which has also been ensured by the officials.

The field surveillance staffs have successfully covered the entire households of Little Andaman within two days. During the door to door survey, so far 103 ILI/SARI cases were detected and all the symptomatic cases were provided with medicine kits.

The DM (SA) has expressed his happiness over the dedication and commitment shown by the field staffs, medical staffs and also lauded the cooperation of the Ex-PRIs, community leaders and general public in supporting the efforts of the Administration, which would definitely help contain the present COVID situation in the Island.