Expatriates Evacuated from Maldives Arrive at Cochin Port

KOCHI:
Cochin Port lends helping hand in ‘Operation Samudra Setu’ by throwing open its resources for facilitating the smooth transition of expatriates. Samudrika Cruise Terminal has been opened up for handling the expatriates and Port has taken up necessary refurbishments consistent with the medical protocols.

The first group of 698 persons evacuated from Maldives arrived at Cochin Port at 9 30 AM by the ship ‘INS Jalaswa’ of Indian Navy. The ship is berthed at BTP Jetty and the disembarkation procedures are being carried out at  Samudrika Cruise Terminal.

The group comprises 595 males and 103 females. Of this, 14 are children below 10 years and 19 pregnant women.Though majority of passengers are from Kerala and Tamil Nadu there are repatriates of 18 other states/UTs also in the ship. Passengers showing covid symptoms are being disembarked first followed by others in small groups, district-wise.

Thermal screening of passengers on arrival is being carried out by the Port Health Organisation. Customs and Immigration procedures are carried out inside the Terminal, where arrangement has also been made for distribution of SIM cards by BSNL and installation of ArogyaSetu in mobile phones of passengers. Disinfection facility for baggage and free wi-fi have been made available by the Port at the Terminal.

Arrangements for onward travel to hospitals/institutional quarantine centres/home quarantine are ensured by state government by deploying ambulances, state transport buses and taxis. These arrangements are coordinated by the District Administration, Police Dept and Health Department.