John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Jul 22: The Secretary IP&T, Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh, today said that demands have been made by several Tourism stakeholders and tour operators and various people that tourism activities should be restarted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands but Administration’s concern is that if Andaman is reopened for Tourism, COVID-19 cases may rise again.
Situation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is different as compared to mainland, also nowadays there are many variants like Delta and Kappa, which have been reported so far in mainland, but once we allow tourism in Andaman there are chances that these variants may enter these Islands too.
“We don’t have such resources to control or respond. Considering the situation, geographical constraints which these islands have, this is not the right time,” he added.
Earlier also when we opened tourism sector in Islands COVID-19 cases increased.
“We are totally aware of the fact that people associated with Tourism industry in these islands are suffering a lot, but due to the present situation we have to restrict,” he added.
The Secretary IP&T, Mr. Singh further informed that altogether two flights with 311 passengers arrived today at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test, the results for today’s RT-PCR are awaited.
Among 174 Passengers arrived yesterday (Wednesday) one passenger was found COVID-19 positive during the RT-PCR test.
The Secretary further informed that 220 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj in which one person was tested COVID-19 positive during Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
About vaccination drive the Secretary informed that total 1095 beneficiaries got their vaccinated today by evening 03:00 PM, among which 754 people were of 45 and above age group who got their second dose of vaccine and 341 people were of 18-44 age group who got their first dose of vaccine at JNRM vaccination Center, South Andaman.
Later the Director ANIIMS, Dr. A K Mondal further said that at GB Pant Hospital altogether 03 patients were admitted and one patient is on oxygen support and on a ventilator.
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