ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Sudden Spike in Covid-19 case in Andaman; Night Curfew Imposed

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Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Jan 03: Andaman and Nicobar Islands today reported 20 new cases of COVID-19, which is four times of what it was reported on 1st January 2022. While on 1st January 2022 only five new COVID-19 cases were reported, on 2nd January there were reports of 10 new cases, which jumped to 20 today.
With this now there are a total 41 COVID-19 active cases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As per update, since the beginning, a total 7763 people have been tested COVID-19 positive in this UT out of which 7593 people have recovered.
In the first and second waves of COVID-19 altogether 129 deaths have been recorded due to COVID-19 infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as per official records.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of South Andaman has ordered Night curfew in entire South Andaman District from 9PM to 5AM. No movement of men and materials, except emergency services and people with passes will be allowed to move during this time period.
As per the movement restriction order, Night curfew shall be enforced in the entire District of South Andaman from immediate effect with no movement of men and materials between 09:00 PM to 05:00 AM until and unless permitted by the District Magistrate on case to case basis.
Shops selling essential and non-essential items shall be allowed to open between 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM with 70% capacity of customers by observing COVID appropriate behavior. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/In-Charge of the shop/business establishment to ensure its compliance andhe/she shall be held responsible for any violation and he/she shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) in addition to sealing of the shop/establishment for a period of 14 days by the Executive Magistrate and shall be liable for action under DM Act.
No movement of men and material without valid movement pass/e-pass shall be allowed after 09:00 PM.
Movement shall be allowed after 09:00 PM for medical emergency cases.
Persons engaged for essential activities for movement of goods on Andaman Trunk road, loading and unloading of essential cargo after 09:00 PM shall be allowed on production of valid movement permit issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
Travel of persons who intend to proceed to their destinations at mainland after 09:00 PM shall be allowed on production of valid travel documents. However, the person (one person) who intend to pick/drop after 09:00 PM, 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, Electricity, Shipping Services, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Tribal Welfare, Fire and Emergency Services, Defence personnel on duty after 09:00 PM shall be permitted on production of valid Identity Cards issued by their concerned departments.
Movement of Officers/Officials, involved in providing services such as Forest, Water Supply & Sanitation in Rural Areas, Disaster Management, Port and related services, Telecommunication shall be allowed after 09:00 PM on production of movement passes to be issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
Movement of personnel involved in providing Broadcasting, all print and electronic media persons after 09:00 PM shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes to be issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
Movement of personnel involved in providing essential/emergency services shall be allowed after 09:00 PM on production of e-passes to be issued by the Office of District Magistrate. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/In-Charge of the shop/business establishment to ensure its compliance and also if any person attached with such organisation is found misusing the e-passes or using the same for purposes other than it is meant for, the owner/in-charge shall be held responsible and he/she shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) and shall also be liable for action under DM Act.
All POL outlets shall be opened from 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM.
Movement of private medical personnel such as Doctors, nursing staff, paramedics etc. attached with diagnostic centres and clinics, veterinary clinics shall be allowed after 09:00 PM on production of e-passes to be issued by the Office of District Magistrate.
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.
Port services will continue to operate as usual and both essential and non-essential cargo can be moved in and out of port, as per requirement for loading/unloading/clearing of cargo and the same shall be permitted till 09:00 PM only. e-Passes for operation of cargo movement after 09:00 PM needs to be obtained, which shall be strictly permitted on case to case basis by the Office of the District Magistrate.
Shipping services for Shaheed Dweep and SwarajDweep shall be permitted with a carrying capacity of 70% of the vessel and with strict adherence to COVID protocols.
Construction activities shall be permitted till 09:00 PM. Construction activities of national importance and strategic projects beyond 09:00 PM shall be permitted with prior permission of District Magistrate and e-Passes needs to be obtained, which shall be strictly permitted on case to case basis by the Office of the District Magistrate.
Movement of persons involved with Hotels/Restaurants and Mess for home delivery of food shall be allowed till 09:00 PM. Dine-in shall be permitted between 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM only with70% seating capacity and with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviourslike wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc. Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. However, take away/parcel service and home delivery should be encouraged. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/In-Charge of the shop/business establishment to ensure its compliance and he/she shall be held responsible for any violation and shall be liable to be fined to the tune of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) in addition to sealing of the shop/establishment for a period of 14 days by the Executive Magistrate and shall also be liable for action under DM Act.
Public Transport/Buses shall be allowed to ply with 70% of the capacity following COVID protocols.
Sale and service of liquor at licensed premises shall be permitted till 09:00 PMwith70% seating capacity and with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviourslike wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc.Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. SOPs and orders regarding the timings for sale and service of liquor at all licensed establishments (C, C1, B1, B2, B3 and B4 category) issued by the Deputy Commissioner (Excise), South Andaman should be strictly adhered to.
All Parks/ Playgrounds/ Stadiums/Gyms and yoga institutes shall be permitted till 09:00 pm with gathering not exceeding 70% of carrying capacity of the same and with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviours like wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc. Any person violating the above directions shall be liable for fine to the tune of Rs.1,000/-, whereas the organisation shall be fined to the tune of Rs.25,000/-.
All Religious places/places of worship are allowed to open till 09:00 PM with gathering not exceeding a maximum of 70% of the capacity of the hall and with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviours like wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc..Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. The Management Committee of the religious places shall be responsible to ensure strict compliance of the COVID appropriate behaviours and any violations in this regard shall be liable for fine to the tune of Rs.25,000/- payable by the Committee.
Religious places/places of worship in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
No tribal passes will be issued for southern group of islands till further orders except for official purposes/national importance and strategic projects.
Social gatherings shall be allowed with 70% capacity of the hall and prior permission of the District Magistrate with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviours like wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc. Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. The parties concerned and management committee of the Hall/Hotel shall be responsible to ensure strict compliance of the COVID appropriate behaviours and any violations in this regard shall be liable for fine to the tune of Rs.50,000/-.
Theatres shall be permitted to function with 70% seating capacity and with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviours like wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc.Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. The owner of the theatre shall be liable for fine to the tune of Rs.50,000/-, in case of any violations.
Academic congregations shall be allowed with 70% seating capacity and with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviours like wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc.Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. The Owner/Proprietor of the academic institutions/coaching centre shall be responsible to ensure strict compliance of the COVID appropriate behaviours and any violations in this regard shall be liable for fine to the tune of Rs.50,000/-. Fresh SOPs in this regard shall be issued by the Education Department.
Indoor sports activities shall be allowed with 70% capacity and strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviours like wearing of mask, social distancing, cough etiquettes etc. Provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash and sanitizers will be mandatory. The management of the indoor facility shall be responsible to ensure strict compliance and any violations of the directions shall be liable for fine to the tune of Rs.25,000/-. SOPs in this regard shall be issued by concerned department.
e-pass for emergency movement during restricted timings 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 said.

The movement restriction order shall come into effect from 04.01.2022 and shall remain in force till 11.01.2022.

 

A & N Administration issues fresh guidelines for incoming passengers; RT-PCR negative report mandatory

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Port Blair, Jan 02: In view of the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases including detection of Omicron variant cases in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and in order to effectively manage the challenge arising out of the same the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has issues fresh guidelines for travelers.
As per the fresh guidelines, from 05 January 2022 onwards, all incoming passengers above 02 years of age including partially and fully vaccinated arriving at VSI Airport, Port Blair shall have to mandatorily carry RT-PCR negative test report issued from a ICMR recognized laboratory, subject to condition that the RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair.
Further, all passengers with history of foreign travel in the last 30 days, all un-vaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers shall also be tested by RT-PCR on arrival at VSI Airport, Port Blair and they have to strictly self isolate themselves till the receipt of negative RT-PCR report.
If passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.
All Airlines have been asked to ensure strict compliance of this order and any noncompliance will invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws, an order issued by Dr.V.Candavelou, Commissioner -cum-Secretary of Health and Civil Aviation said here today.
As per last update available, at present altogether there are 17 COVID-19 active cases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and since beginning total 7733 people have been tested COVID-19 positive in this UT out of which 7587 people have recovered.
In the first and second waves of COVID-19 altogether 129 deaths have been recorded due to COVID-19 infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as per official records.

Vaccination drive continuing smoothly in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, Dec. 30: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 5,92,465 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands. A total of 486 people were vaccinated in South Andaman District today.
424 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which 52 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44 years. Similarly, 51 beneficiaries were vaccinated in North & Middle Andaman District out of which 5 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44. 11 beneficiaries were vaccinated in Nicobar District out of which 2 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44.

5,91,979 beneficiaries vaccinated so far in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, Dec. 29: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 5,91,979 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands. A total of 470 people were vaccinated in South Andaman District today.
412 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which 59 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44 years. Similarly, 36 beneficiaries were vaccinated in North & Middle Andaman District out of which 8 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44. 22 beneficiaries were vaccinated in Nicobar District.

COVID-19 status in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, Dec 28: During the RT-PCR test conducted on 395 passengers who arrived here yesterday, no positive case has been detected. 13 flights with 2203 passengers arrived on Tuesday, out of which, 1701 were vaccinated with both doses while RT-PCR test was conducted on 502 passengers (includes 35 international travellers) and the reports are awaited. During RAT conducted on 135 passengers bound for North & Middle Andaman at Ferrargunj no positive case has been detected. At Mohanpura Bus Terminus, test was conducted on 51 passengers and all were found negative. At Phoenix Bay Jetty, 61passengers were tested with RAT and all were found negative. At Helipad, test was conducted on 8 passengers and all were found negative. RTPCR test was conducted on 14 crew members of MV Chouldari &14 crew members of MV Rangat, report of which is awaited.

COVID-19 Vaccination drive continuing smoothly in isles

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Port Blair, Dec 28: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 5,91,509 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands. A total of 1224 people were vaccinated in South Andaman District on Tuesday. 1149 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which 74 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44 years. Similarly, 66 beneficiaries were vaccinated in North & Middle Andaman District out of which 4 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44.

DC South Andaman visits at various locations in South Andaman to review and monitor the developmental activities

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Port Blair, Dec 28: Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (SA) alongwith Mr. Hari Kallikkat, IAS ADM (SA)made field visit at various locations in South Andaman to review and monitor the developmental activities under progress accompanied by Tehsildar, Ferrargunj, officials of line departments and Ex- PRI members.
During the visit the team visited the Secondary School at Namunaghar and the DC(SA) interacted with the students and teachers. During the interaction the DC(SA) motivated the students to achieve excellence in all fields of life.
At Dundas Point Jetty, the land for parking areas was inspected. The culverts enroute to the jetty was also inspected and instructions were given to the officials of concerned departments for the upkeep and maintenance of the same.
At Tushnabad Junction, the team reviewed the progress of ongoing RURBAN projects and directions were issued to the concerned officials to speed up the works for its early completion. The officials of APWD were instructed for early completion of vehicle parking area at the junction.
It was reiterated by the DC(SA) that all concerned officials should cooperate, coordinate and monitor the progress of works and activities for the benefit of the local populace on priority basis and hindrances if any being faced by them should be reported to him for early rectification.

Vaccination drive continuing smoothly in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, Dec. 27: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 5,90,285 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands. A total of 722 people were vaccinated in South Andaman District today. 614 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which 80 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44 years. Similarly, 108 beneficiaries were vaccinated in North & Middle Andaman District out of which 10 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44.

COVID-19 status in A&N Islands

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Port Blair, Dec 23: During the RT-PCR test conducted on 473 passengers who arrived here yesterday, four positive cases have been detected. 12 flights with 2102 passengers arrived on Thursdsay, out of which, 1629 were vaccinated with both doses while RT-PCR test was conducted on 473 passengers (includes 59 international travellers) and the reports are awaited.
During RAT conducted on 190 passengers bound for North & Middle Andaman at Ferrargunj no positive case has been detected. At Mohanpura Bus Terminus, test was conducted on 112 passengers and all were found negative. At Phoenix Bay Jetty, 106 passengers were tested with RAT and all were found negative. Today, till 3 pm 221 eligible beneficiaries were vaccinated, out of which 198 were of 18 plus age group.

Vaccination drive continuing smoothly in isles

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Port Blair, Dec 22: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 5,88,626 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands, out of the target beneficiaries of 2,86,600 (approx.). A total of 612 people were vaccinated in South Andaman District today. 508 beneficiaries were vaccinated in South Andaman District, out of which 53 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44 years. Similarly, 57 beneficiaries were vaccinated in North & Middle Andaman District out of which 5 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44. 47 beneficiaries were vaccinated in Nicobar District out of which 3 beneficiaries were in the age group of 18-44.