Port Blair, October 05: The President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators, Mr. M Vinod has requested the Chief Secretary, Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands to formulate testing and quarantine rules for the incoming tourists in these Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Vinod thanked the Andaman Administration for announcing the reopening of Andamans for tourists.
However, he mentioned that there are still a few hiccups that are arising after the tourist arrival, about their stay, transportation, test, and quarantine.
“These are extraordinary times which necessitate extraordinary measures; at the same time, the tourist experience in Andamans must only be seamless. Their journey through Andamans must be streamlined to ensure there are no hassles on the way,” Mr. Vinod stated.
Mr. Vinod further stated that currently, no such guideline is in place. Hence, he proposed some measures, which, according to him, are the need of the hour.
1. COVID-19 TEST REQUIREMENTS:
a) Whether the tourist can carry a COVID-19 negative test certificate? If yes, test certificates from which hospitals/test centers shall be considered valid, and how many hours/days before arrival date will such a certificate be considered valid?
b) Whether the tourist shall be tested, upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair? If yes, what kind of test? What shall be the price of the test per person, and who shall bear the cost?
2. QUARANTINE RULES:
a) If a guest tested negative, whether he will be quarantined or he can start his tour from day one.
b) If a guest tested positive, what is the protocol to be followed by
guest.
c) If, for example, in a family of four people, 1 or 2 members test positive, what shall be the protocol for them.
3. VEHICLE CARRYING CAPACITY:
a) LMVs (Light Motor Vehicles) may be allowed to carry any number of tourists who belong to:
– the same household
– the same family
– the same group of travelers
4. BOAT CARRYING CAPACITY:
By order of the Supreme Court of India, airlines in India have been permitted to carry 100% of its passenger capacity. Similarly, all boats plying for tourists may be considered to carry tourists to its assigned maximum capacity. The financial implications of leaving seats vacant are severe for the owner/firm which would directly pass on to the tourist in the form of shooting up fares. This, in turn, will harm the industry which, on the date, needs every possible aid to revive.
5. WATER SPORTS:
a) No water sport has been permitted to operate except Snorkeling.
b) Other activities such as Seakart, Scuba Diving, Sea Walk, etc. be reopened as these are the recreational activities that define their Andaman holiday and these are the very reasons for which tourists come to Andamans from faraway places.
6. BEACH SWIMMING:
Beach swimming may also be opened, on the beaches.
