TSG Bhasker Demands Urgent Measures to Tackle COVID Sub-Variant ‘JN.1’ in A & N Islands

Tarun Karthick

Port Blair, 21 December 2023

Amidst the propagation of the new COVID sub-variant ‘JN.1’ across the nation, Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the ANTCC Campaign Committee, has raised a pressing call to action. Addressing the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, Bhasker underscored the imperative need for advanced safety measures to avert the spread of the virus in the serene confines of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Expressing deep concern, Bhasker’s missive highlighted the emergence of multiple cases of the new COVID sub-variant in Kerala, now surfacing in Tamil Nadu and various other states. Emphasising the urgency of proactive measures, he urged immediate preparation to fortify the islands against potential outbreaks.

“To safeguard our Islanders, please ensure that the medical team is apprised of the situation and are ready to tackle any contingency which appears because of the COVID outbreak in our Islands. Also the medical equipments like oxygen concentrator have to be kept tested and ready so that the patients do not have to face any hardships” Bhasker stressed in his communication.

Of significant importance, Bhasker pressed for the meticulous testing and readiness of essential medical equipment, particularly oxygen concentrators, to mitigate any possible hardships faced by patients. Additionally, he called upon the Chief Secretary to spearhead awareness programs targeted at both medical staff and the general public. Bhasker stressed the necessity of ensuring readiness and alertness among paramedics, especially those who have worked during the earlier phases of COVID.

The urgent plea comes as a proactive step to shield the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from the surging threat posed by the new COVID sub-variant. As concerns amplify nationwide, Bhasker’s call for preemptive measures echoes the collective urgency to safeguard the island community against the evolving challenges of the pandemic.