Chetan Sanghi, chief secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, confirmed today that all 33 confirmed Coronavirus cases have recovered. The one COVID-19 positive patient recovered today. Nonetheless, 961 individuals are in quarantine centres under observation.
It’s been 21 days since a new Coronavirus case reported in the UT. The economy opens up finally. Also, Andaman and Nicobar adapted pool test methods to stop wastage of test kits.
Coronavirus Total and Active Cases Graph in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
22 Test Positive after Declaring Island Free of COVID 19
The island declared itself pandemic free on April 16th. Simultaneously, its Chief Secretary, Chetan Sanghi, tweeted that all the 11 cases recovered and thus no infection in the region. However, the favourable situation didn’t last very long as new case reported on the 17th of April. Further, 22 new cases were confirmed till the 25th of April.
Pool Testing Success
ICAR strongly recommend pool tendency in regions with less than 5% infection frequency. Following the island’s pursuit in pool testing, all Indian states and UT’s are inclining towards the same. Also, it guarantees five tests per kit, thereby preventing wastage. Further, the island has been conducting pool tests for the past fifteen days by testing multiple swabs in a single test. Accordingly, it is very cost-effective and is of utmost necessity in the given situation.
11000 Tests Conducted Per Million Population
With sufficient resources, medics, and necessary equipment, the Union territory is striving to diminish the infection. Accordingly, it is conducting 11000 COVID-19 tests per million. Testing per million is one of the highest in India. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary said that to prevent the COVID-19 spread contact tracing, testing, and isolation undertaken rigidly by the UT.
Bambooflat Area, the Hotspot
One islander tested positive from Bambooflat area. While also increasing the risk of fellow citizens as he ignored to report his symptoms. Meanwhile, all the fresh cases were linked to that one patient and his family from the Bambooflat area. Thereby, this area became a Coronavirus hotspot in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Journalist Arrested Over Tweet
Andaman and Nicobar islands journalist, Zubair Ahmed recently tweeted asking for an explanation on COVID-19. He was speculating why the families are under isolation (home quarantine) for talking to COVID-19 patients over a telephone. However, this landed him a non-bailable offence from the police and was further arrested.