Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 07: The South Andaman district today extended lockdown for the second time despite visible decline in COVID-19 cases in the region. This extension shall come into effect from 08 June 2021 and shall remain in force till 14 June 2021.
The District Commissioner of South Andaman, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka today issued the extension order mentioning that the situation is being monitored by the District Administration and though there is a marginal dip in the positive cases, it is felt that the Administration cannot be complacent until there is drastic reduction in the number of positive cases.
Although many Islanders have expressed resentment against this extension but political parties have largely welcomed the move but demanded some relaxations for common man and daily workers.
No doubt this decision has left many upset but if we see the larger pictures, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are presently the safest place in entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which no one can deny.
Meanwhile, social media is buzzing with comments from Islanders having mixed reactions regarding this extension. “This is appreciable that Administration wants to bring COVID-19 cases in Andaman to zero but before that no Islander should die because of hunger,” said a local political leader on the condition of anonymity.
As per last available update there are 96 active COVID-19 cases in entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands at present.
In first and second wave total 7131 people have been tested COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands out of which 6912 people have recovered.
Altogether 123 deaths have been reported in first and second waves in the Union Territory.
At present there are 14 containment zones in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As per the COVID-19 lockdown extension order shops selling essential items such as Provision Stores, Vegetable shops, shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits, dairy and milk booth/shop, meat and fish, animal feed/fodder, bakeries shall be allowed to open between 6:00 am to 8:00 am by observing COVID appropriate behaviors.
No movement of men and material other than the time fixed for opening of shops between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM shall be allowed except for persons having valid movement/e-passes issued by the Office of the District Magistrate.
Movement shall be allowed for emergency cases, medical emergencies, pregnant women and patients availing medical services.
Clinical establishments, Chemists and Pharmacy shops shall be allowed to open with movement of bare minimum personnel attached with such organisations for which valid e-passes shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate based on the certification from the concerned organisation.Home delivery of medicines should be encouraged and promoted.
Persons engaged for essential activities for movement of goods on Andaman Trunk road, loading and unloading of essential cargo shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
Travel of persons shall be allowed to proceed to their destinations at mainland on production of valid travel documents. However, the person (one person) who intend to pick/drop the traveler should apply for e-pass well in advance with supporting documents and the same shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate on case to case basis.
Movement of officers/officials involved in providing essential services such as District Administration, Police, CISF, Health Services, ICMR, PBMC, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and emergency services, Defence personnel on duty shall be permitted on production of valid Identity Cards issued by their concerned departments.
Movement of bare minimum number of Officers/Officials, for whom movement passes have already been issued by the Office of District Magistrate,involved in providing services such as Pay & Accounts, Shipping Services, Forest, Banking, Electricity, Water Supply & Sanitation in Rural Areas, Disaster Management, Port services and related services, Telecommunication shall be allowed. The concerned department should also ensure that such officials are called on for duties on alternate days to maintain COVID appropriate behavior at workplaces.
Persons going for COVID vaccination shall be permitted subject to production of acknowledgment slip/SMS.
Movement of bare minimum personnel for whom movement passes have already been issued by the Office of District Magistrate involved in providing Broadcasting and Cable services, Internet service providers, all print and electronic media persons, private security services, POL Outlets, LPG Stores/Godown, ATMs, e-commerce activities, Cold Storages and warehouses shall be allowed. The concerned organization should also ensure that such officials are called on for duties on alternate days to maintain COVID appropriate behavior at workplaces.
All POL outlets shall be opened from 06.00 AM to 01.00 PM.
Movement of bare minimum private medical personnel such as Doctors, nursing staff, paramedics etc. attached with diagnostic centres and clinics, veterinary clinics shall be allowed for which valid e-passes shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate based on the certification from the concerned organisation.
Movement of persons from containment zones shall be strictly restricted and shall only be permitted on case to case basis upon approval from the Office of District Magistrate.
Movement of persons involved with Hotels/Restaurants and Mess to be certified by the firm/organisation for home delivery of food shall be allowed between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for which valid e-passes shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate based on the certification from the concerned organisation.
e-pass for movement during lockdown may be submitted online on https://epass.andaman.gov.in. The applicants/organizations submitting applications for e-pass should invariably submit valid and clear supporting documents, failing which the application will be summarily rejected.
“Any disobedience of the above orders shall invite penal action u/s 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 against the violator(s) and fine shall also be imposed as per Order issued by this office from time to time,” the order added.
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