New Delhi: 44 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran last month in the wake of coronavirus outbreak completed their mandated quarantine period at the Indian Navy’s quarantine facility at Ghatkopar-based Material Organisation in Mumbai and returned back to their respective homes in Srinagar of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh.
“The Indian Navy quarantine facility at Material Organisation, Ghatkopar, Mumbai has silently and successfully completed the task of quarantining 44 evacuees (including 24 women) from Iran,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.
In all, the 44 individuals spent 30 days in the facility commencing March 13, ending with each testing negative for COVID-19 on March 28. They had to stay for more than 14-day at the quarantine facility due to nationwide lockdown imposed by the Central government on March 24.
On April 12, the government made arrangement to airlift them using Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 aircraft to Srinagar.
For the return journey, each evacuee was given packed food, refreshments and two hand stitched masks, courtesy NWWA Ghatkopar, the spokesperson added.
A dedicated team of medical staff from the Navy worked tirelessly to monitor the health of the evacuees. They were supported by a team of conservancy personnel and other staff to take care of the cleanliness of the facility, their comfort and wellbeing, he said.
During their quarantine period, the evacuees were made comfortable in the facility with provision of a library, a TV room, indoor games, a small gymnasium and even limited cricket gear.
“The Indian Navy is committed to assist the national effort in the fight against COVID-19 and stands ready to aid the citizens of India and the civil administration in every manner possible,” Commander Madhwal said.
