PM is likely to inaugurate Chennai-ANI Submarine Cable System on Aug 10

Port Blair, Aug 05: The Chief General Manger of A&N Telecom Circle, Mr. Murali Krishna today informed through an official communication that, "The Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System" (CANI - SMCP) is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on 10 August 2020. The project aims at providing better communication and internet connectivity to the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

As per a notice of BSNL, it seeks assistance from authorities in movement of BSNL officers, staffs and vehicles transporting BSNL men & materials equipments to Swaraj Dweep, Long Island, Rangat, North & Middle Andaman and Little Andaman, in this regards. 

Citizens' Corner 06/08/2020

 

* Total 466 Isolation beds are available with the A&N Administration till date, and out of 687 active cases in the A&N Islands, 277 are occupied in Govt. Clinical Centres and 410 are kept in Home Isolation. Now the question is that, are the 410 COVID-19 positive individuals having suitable home to be in isolation for a period until they get well? Most of the houses in the A&N Islands don't have their separates room with attached toilets, except certain class of people. Hope the Health Department is taking care of it before advising the people to be in Home Isolation.

* Once again, a dream of dream come true got hype among the mobile internet lovers after seeing in social media a copy of facilitation request by CGM, BSNL, A&N Telecom Circle dated 05/08/2020 addressed to concern authorities for movement, which says Prime Minister of India will inaugurate "The Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System" (CANI - SMCP) on August 10, 2020. Confusion continues "Believe it or Not".

* People required to psychologically strong to go through amidst pandemic, it is just a phase which have to be faced bravely by following guidelines of MoHFW, MHA, alongwith preventive measures against COVID-19. Beyond this phase, everything will get normal.

* Health department is not helping medicinally to boosting the immunity among Covid-19 positive patients. Those, who are in Home Isolation using AYUSH recommended remedies, are getting partially well, rest who are expecting medicines from health department are facing trouble. So, 'Health is in your Hand', citizens.

Time to brave, not to fear against COVID-19

 TMI Bureau

Port Blair, Aug 05: Apart from COVID-19 pandemic, the people these days are in stress or fear with the word "COVID-19 or Coronavirus". But, as a human we have to be brave in facing it with our immunity alongwith psychological support.

However, the level of stigma associated with COVID-19 is based on three main factors: 1) it is a disease that's new and for which there are still many unknowns; 2) we are often afraid of the unknown; and 3) it is easy to associate that fear with 'others'. It is understandable that there is confusion, anxiety, and fear among the public. Unfortunately, these factors are also fueling harmful stereotypes.

In our A&N Islands, of course the cases are touching highest double digit figure per day. As on 05/08/2020, 99 new cases all from contacts identified, with this in our Islands total breached 1027 among them 687 active and 14 have died. But, the good news is 326 were recovered and more will definitely will recover from COVID-19 and their life will go on with their jobs, families and loved ones.

Moreover, the Ministry of AYUSH recommends some self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health.

Ayurveda’s immunity boosting measures for self care during COVID 19 crisis

In the wake of the Covid 19 outbreak, entire mankind across the globe is suffering. Enhancing the body’s natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health.

We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times.

Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge base on preventive care, derives from the concepts of “Dinacharya” - daily regimes and “Ritucharya” - seasonal regimes to maintain healthy life. It is a plant-based science. The simplicity of awareness about oneself and the harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting and maintaining his or her immunity is emphasized across Ayurveda’s classical scriptures.

Ministry of AYUSH recommends the following self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

Recommended Measures

I General Measures

1. Drink warm water throughout the day.

2.   Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH (#YOGAatHome #StayHome #StaySafe)

3.   Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.

II    Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures

1.   Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.

2.   Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.

3.   Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.

III  Simple Ayurvedic Procedures

1.   Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.

2.   Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.

IV  During dry cough / sore throat

1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.

2.   Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.

3.   These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.

1    The above measures can be followed to the extent possible as per an individual’s convenience.

2    These measures are recommended by following eminent Vaidyas from across the Country as they may possibly boost an individual’s immunity against infections.

1. Padma Shri Vaidya P R Krishnakumar, Coimbatore

2. Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna, Delhi

3. Vaidya P M Varier, Kottakkal

4. Vaidya Jayant Devpujari, Nagpur

5. Vaidya Vinay Velankar, Thane

6. Vaidya B S Prasad, Belgaum

7. Padma Shri Vaidya Gurdeep Singh, Jamnagar

8. Acharya Balkrishna j i, Haridwar

9. Vaidya M S Baghel, Jaipur

10. Vaidya R B Dwivedi, Hardoi UP

11. Vaidya K N Dwivedi, Varanasi

12. Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Chandigarh

13. Vaidya Abichal Chattopadhyay, Kolkata

14. Vaidya Tanuja Nesari, Delhi

15. Vaidya Sanjeev Sharma, Jaipur

16. Vaidya Anup Thakar, Jamnagar

Disclaimer: The above advisory does not claim to be treatment for COVID19.

Do's: Maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing; Wear a mask / cloth to cover your mouth and nose; Practice frequent hand washing. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands even if they are visibly clean; Cover your nose and mouth with handkerchief / tissue while sneezing and coughing; Throw used tissues into closed bins immediately after use; Maintain a safe distance from persons during interaction, especially with those having flu-like symptoms; Sneeze in the inner side of your elbow and not to cough into the palms of your hands; Check temperature regularly and check for respiratory symptoms; See a doctor if you feel unwell (fever, difficulty in breathing and coughing); and for any fever / flu-like signs / symptoms, please call State helpline number.

Don'ts: Shake hands; Have a close contact with anyone, if you're experiencing cough and fever; Touch your eyes, nose and mouth; Sneeze or cough into palms of your hands; Spit in Public; Travel unnecessarily, particularly to any affected region; Participate in large gatherings, including sitting in groups at canteens; Visit gyms, clubs and crowded places etc; and Don't Spread rumours or panic.

MP suggests LG in view of increasing cases of COVID-19 in these Islands

Port Blair, August 05: Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, A&N Islands has taken up various important issues in view of rapid increase in COVID-19 in the A&N Islands with Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of A&N Islands.

1) It is learned that many COVID-19 positive cases are kept in Home Quarantine for treatment which need to the immediately stopped. May be they are in isolation in the home but using the same toilet, there is always risk of other family members becoming infected which will further increase  number of COVID-19 positive cases in the islands.

Hence, the COVID-19 positive patients whether symptomatic or asymptomatic to be kept in Isolation and treatment to be done in the Government Hospital having adequate facilities such as Oxygen and Ventilators.

2) Immediate action need to be taken to ensure sufficient stock of filled Oxygen cylinders to combat any eventuality.

3) It is observed that the due to shortage of Ambulance, there is delay in transporting COVID-19 patients to the hospital for immediate medical care. Hence it is proposed to hire private vehicles which can be used as Ambulance for immediate transportation of COVID-19 patients from home to all PHCs, CHCs and G.B Pant Hospital.

4) It is proposed that instead of developing COVID-19 treatment facilities at various discrete locations, a big COVID-19 treatment and isolation facility is made at one place capable of handling at least 1000 COVID-19 patients. To pool up the resources required for the proposed COVID-19 centre the assistance of Central Government may be taken immediately. As the cases of COVID-19 positive are being detected in the Inter-Island region also, there is an absolute need to have separate COVID-19 isolation and treatment developed at PHCs, CHCs and District Hospitals in other parts of island.

5) Few COVID-19 positives cases have been detected from various wards of the G.B Pant Hospital such as labour ward, orthopedic ward etc. This has created panic and insecurity amongst the paramedical staffs such as nurses, ayahs, sweepers etc of becoming COVID-19 positives.

Hence, it is proposed that all the paramedical staffs of various wards may be given PPE kit for safety against COVID-19 infection.

6) As the cases of COVID-19 positive patients are increasing sharply with every passing day, isolation facility having beds, bathrooms and toilets for 1000 asymptomatic patients need to be developed immediately.

7) Responsive and responsible Call Centre to be establish for attending  problems of COVID-19 positive patients and their relative's problem.

8) Separate call centre to address problems of general public arising out of COVID-19 scenario also to be established.

9) More tests to be conducted on clusters using Rapid Test Kits (RT-PCR), to analyse the trend and pattern of spread. Rapid Test Kits to be extensively used for detection of COVID-19 cases.

10) Door Delivery of Ayush Medicines for the prevention from COVID-19 and for increasing immunity to be done as people are afraid and hesitant to go out.

11) It is also observed that most of the frontline COVID-19 warriors are getting infected by COVID-19. The administration may call for volunteers from the General Public who are interested to take up the responsibility.  Such volunteers may help the public on ground in maintaining social distancing at public places etc.

12) A coordination Committee need to be constituted by involving all stake holders such as elected representatives viz. PRIs, Municipal Councilors, all political parties, Media, Association for proper monitoring of COVID-19 situation at the ground and to create awareness and vigil amongst the people, a communiqué from the MP Office said.

Health Department plans to treat and contain COVID-19

 Port Blair, Aug 05: The Health Department of Andaman Nicobar Island has initiated series of steps to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus in Andaman Nicobar Islands.

As on today (05/08/2020) 99 people were tested COVID19 positive in these Islands, all are from contacts. 49 recovered, it is learnt. With this the total number of COVID19 cases in A&N Islands is 1027, out of which 687 are active and 326 have recovered. Andaman has however recorded total 14 deaths.

To deal with this situation, according to information, the Health Department has identified 1000 beds for Covid Care Centers and these 1000 beds will now be activated in phase manner.

It is learnt that after ITI hostel and ITI workshop building now the enter hostel of DBRAIT will be converted into Covid Care Centre.

According to sources the Health Department is also planning to form 8 specialized teams for the treatment and containment of COVID-19. Further it is also come to notice that these teams will have two doctors, four nurses and four MTS staffs each. For this purpose 16 doctors will also be appointed very soon. 15 technicians have already been appointed today who will be involved in testing and sample collection works.

Senior officials expects that, if everything goes well it might take another one week to control the situation and one more week to bring down the number of infections.