Port Blair, Mar 12: In view of the outbreak of Novel Corana Virus (COVID-19) beyond the borders of China and to contain and prevent spreading of this infectious virus in these Islands, the A&N Administration, as a preventive measure, has decided to restrict the services of Passenger vessels of the Directorate of Shipping Services operating between Port Blair and Mainland.
In this regard the scheduled sailing of MV Swaraj Dweep to Kolkata via Mayabunder on 18.03.2020 has been preponed and now, the vessel will sail for Kolkata via Mayabunder on Monday, 16.03.2020 at 1800 Hrs from Haddo wharf, Port Blair. The vessel will sail back for Port Blair as per earlier promulgated sailing date i.e on 26.03.2020 from Kolkata via Mayabunder at 1400 Hrs. The vessel on her above return voyage will, however, carry only Islander passengers from Kolkata. Non Islander passengers those who have purchased the ticket of MV Swaraj Dweep from Kolkata to Port Blair for this sailing have been requested to cancel their tickets and, get refunded from STARS ticketing counter situated at Kolkata as well as at Port Blair.
It is, further, advised to all the passengers to adhere to the following measures while travelling on board
• Regularly and thoroughly clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention of the vessel immediately, a communication from the Deputy Director (SS) said here today.
