The Armed Forces in a note highlighted their contributions in assisting civil authorities in fighting this deadly virus.
1,073 people have been evacuated from affected countries who are presently under quarantine in Armed Forces facilities. The forces are giving relentless support, both medical and logistics to support civil authorities in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has deployed all resources necessary to help the civilian authorities.
Six quarantine facilities that are run by the Armed Forces are currently operational at Manesar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Chennai, Hindan and Mumbai.
So far, a total of 1,463 people, including foreigners have been evacuated from COVID-19 affected countries and have taken refuge in these centers.
Out of the 1,463 people, 1,073 are currently under quarantine and are being provided with proper care. These include evacuees from Iran, Italy, Japan and Malaysia, besides the IAF and medical crew.
Three positive COVID-19 cases have been reported, so far – two from Hindan and one from Manesar.
The Director-General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Lt Gen Anup Banerji said, 28 Service Hospitals are now COVID hospitals and are managing only Coronavirus cases.
Lt Gen Banerji also added that only one serving soldier has been tested positive of COVID-19 and has now recovered.
“Intensive information, education and communication campaigns are going on for serving personnel. Leave extension of those on leave as well as curtailment of leave to bare minimum have been imposed. Segregation facilities have been set up to observe troops already back from leave from various states,” he said.
The Armed Forces Medical Services gave suggestions about setting up medical facilities within train coaches in case of any eventuality.
About 28 FMS hospitals across states have been identified to be transformed into dedicated COVID hospitals.
Also, AFMS also issued advisories on social distancing, cancellation of courses and training, use of masks and preventive measures to be taken at workplace and guidelines on COVID-19.