Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 21 April 2021
Despite the robust vaccination drive being carried out by the Administration in different parts of A&N Islands besides significant increase in the number of testing and strict enforcement of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour by Police & concerned authorities, the Islands are witnessing a steep rise in the number of COVID positive cases. A large number of positive cases are seen in the passengers coming from mainland. There have also been some reports of tampering with RTPCR negative report by the incoming passengers and the Administration has lodged FIR against such errant passengers.
In view of this, it was deemed necessary by the Administration to take proactive steps in order to protect the lives of the children, senior citizens and residents of these Islands. The Administration after reviewing the situation arising due to consistent rise in the number of COVID cases has announced measures to contain spread of COVID-19 cases in the Islands.
Accordingly, the following decisions have been taken to curb the spread of COVID positive cases in A&N Islands for the safety of the people:
- Existing Corona curfew has been revised from 10 pm to 5 am to 9 pm to 5 am with immediate effect.
- Activities attracting large gathering like Light & Sound Show at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island and National Memorial Cellular Jail, water sports activities, beaches and other such activities have been suspended in all the three Districts for 4 weeks from April 22.
- Cinema Halls to remain closed for a period of 4 weeks with effect from April 22.
- Market places like super stores, grocery stores, malls etc. advised to strictly regulate entry and follow COVID appropriate behaviour protocol.
- For safety of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVGT), people belonging to Great Andamanese Tribe working at Port Blair will be granted special leave from their respective Departments, if employed in the Administration and have been requested to go back to their native place after RTPCR negative report.
- Police asked to intensify their enforcement drive against people not following COVID appropriate behaviour viz. not wearing masks, not maintaining social distancing and crowding at places.
Keeping in view the convenience of the people at large, shops, markets, grocery stores, etc. will remain open but the residents are advised to minimise their movements and help the Administration in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Isles. People have also been advised to wear face shield while going out.