Coronavirus: 26 'Positive' Sailors aboard INHS Asvini Remain Asymptomaic

Mumbai, April 18, 2020:

All 26 sailors who were tested positive for the coronavirus remain "asymptomatic", the Navy has confirmed, and they are being monitored at INHS Asvini, a shore establishment. The cases were detected after rigorous testing carried out by Western Naval Command after one sailor tested positive on April 7.

There has so far not been a single case of coronavirus onboard any ship, submarine or air station of the Indian Navy.

Meanwhile, in an official statement, the naval assets continue to be mission-deployed in three dimensions, with all the networks and space assets functioning optimally. "The Navy remains combat-ready, mission-capable and is in full readiness to partake in the national mission to fight the pandemic as well as to provide support to our friendly neighbours in the IOR", the Navy's communique further said.

"Our assets continue to remain on patrol covering a vast oceanic swath from the Straits of Malacca in the East to Bab-el-Mandeb in the West, including undertaking Op Sankalp to provide reassurance and protection to our merchant vessels and Anti-piracy patrols in Gulf of Aden", an Indian Navy establishment.

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Since the sailor was tested positive for Covid-19, the entire premises of the Unit have been sealed off and containment zones and buffer areas have been designated and frequent disinfection continues to be carried out as per protocol to contain spread by breaking the chain of transmission.

All other areas within naval premises have been under strict lockdown and stringent quarantine and safety protocols have been enforced for personnel and their families, with door to door screening being undertaken for identification of cases.

All missions for coastal and offshore security continue as before. Operational units are being maintained in readiness by following a 14 day quarantine routine to meet immediate contingencies, including assistance to Civil Authorities and Friendly Maritime Neighbours.

Meanwhile, several quarantine facilities have been set up in naval premises at Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and Visakhapatnam for use. Last week, a batch of 44 ex-Iran pilgrims from the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir who were quarantined at the naval facility in Mumbai, returned to their homes fully satisfied at the care and comfort they received from the Indian Navy. Naval aircraft have undertaken many missions flying supplies and personnel aiding state governments.

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