Port Blair, Apr 29: Considering the surge in COVID-19 cases in far flung Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially in South Andaman district, the District Magistrate of South Andaman has issued order to keep all religious place and places of worship closed for public worship from 30th April 2021.
“Further religious congregations or gatherings are strictly prohibited. Any person or organisation violating the above directions shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs. 10,000/, which shall be payable by the Management Committee,” an order issued my Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, the District Magistrate of South Andaman said here today.
The order further said “this order shall come in force in the South Andaman District including the active Containment Zones from 30th April 2021 and shall remain in force till further orders.”
On April 24, 2021, the Chief Secretary of A&N Administration, Mr. Jitendra Narain had interacted with heads and representatives of all religions in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and sought their active cooperation in Administration’s fight against COVID-19.
During the meeting the Chief Secretary had made it clear that if the number of cases in the Islands crosses a certain mark, the Administration will be forced to take stringent measures.
Although Andaman and Nicobar Islands are ahead of many states in vaccinating nearly 25 percent of total population but still everyday nearly 50 positive cases are being reported, which according to the local Administration is a matter of grave concern.
