Health Ministry to deploy medical surveillance team to Kachchativu

The Health Ministry will deploy a team of medical experts to monitor pilgrims who arrive for the Kachchativu feast tomorrow as a precautionary measure. 

The team and necessary equipment will be stationed on the island, which is expected to be visited by thousands of Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims. According to the Navy, the decision to deploy a medical team had been made after the Government agent and the Navy made a request to the Ministry.  

The move came as India reported its first COVID-19 case last month.  

The Navy, in partnership with Local Government and the church, annually makes the necessary arrangements to hold the Feast on the island. The Navy expect an estimated 10,000 pilgrims to visit the Kachchativu Island for the feast.