When did Coronavirus reached India
After three people from Kerala tested positive for Coronavirus in the first week of Feb. 2020, the Government of Kerala declared the lethal disease caused by the novel Coronavirus as a state calamity. The positive tested people have been cured, but lately many more people have been tested positive in Kerala and other part of India.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also more vulnerable and there’s an urgent have to take this virus more seriously. Thermal scanners are installed at all the Airports and Seaports to ensure not a single person infected with this deadly disease enters these Islands. If sufficient precautions aren’t taken at the entry points, the administration will find it too hard to contain the virus, if one of these cases ever enters Andaman.
The seriousness of this virus can be measured by the fact that even a country like China is not able to contain it. As precaution is better than cure, the Health department should come up with a more proactive mechanism to cope with the situation. If needed flow of tourists should be stopped for sometimes to ensure safety of Islanders. Availability of a quality mask in sufficient numbers for paramedics must be ensured. Airport staffs needs to be sensitized. NGO’s along with other stakeholders including those from tourist sector should be taken to confidence to make sure there’s no panic among the masses.
If a ship is coming directly to Mayabunder Port then a doctor and a pharmacist will be accommodated there. Also, the DHS said. Doctors also added that for furthermore precautions 05 bedded isolated rooms is also ready at Govind Ballabh Pant hospital with an oxygen ventilator and a team of physicians has also been formed. He said that if a positive signs of coronavirus is found then the Health Department will send the sample to National Institute of Virology, Pune for testing via ICMR. We’ve sufficient personal protections like mask for face and more than 400 PPE suits and other materials, Doctor added.
In the mean time, Physician has urged Islanders for avoiding crowded places and has also asked everybody to use alcohol based hand sanitizers. He’s also suggested that islanders should not keep their throats dry for quite long time and has advised islanders to wash hands very often. Off course corona has affected the tourism.
At the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic, Andaman & Nicobar Administration has issued an advisory to shut down all tourists related infrastructure such as ferry providers, all beaches, water sports activities, and also have asked tourists to extend from all travel to the islands between 16th to 26th March 2020. Another review in this regard is going to be done on 23rd March 2020.
How bad is the Coronavirus situation in Andaman Islands? .
There’s not a single favorable instance of COVID-19 from the islands as of today, but like each proactive administration globally, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration is working towards making sure it does not reach the islands.
Can a tourist move to Andaman and Nicobar Islands? .
Well, you are able to travel to Port Blair on a trip from anywhere, but you will not get to travel to Havelock or Neil Island or some other island for that matter. Ferry operators have been instructed not to let any tourist on board ferries with effect from 17th March 2020 to 26th March 2020. Basically, your journey will be limited to Port Blair only. And while in Port Blair, you won’t to visit any beaches, museums or enjoy any water sports.
If you’re travelling between 16th to 26th of March 2020.
Suggestion: Cancel your travel plans. Refer to Refunds section to learn more. If you’re traveling after 26th March 2020.
Suggestion: Wait until 23rd, 24th March 2020, before canceling the plans right away. Since we are coping with lots of doubt and no one knows better at that moment, best would be to wait and watch. You need to consider checking with all the sellers on price implications of travel itineraries, but it’s suggested to not cancel right away. Normally, the price implication won’t change should you cancel today or wait and cancel following a week.
We’re not authorised to speak for some of the local organization, so this is simply our opinion on the situation and what implications it holds for the travelers.
The situation is tough for every one of us, you the passengers & for each travel business in Andaman. At this hour, when the whole business is shaken, what ought to be essential for you as a paying customer, would be to know that you will get your refund and possess a document at hand saying when and how much.
Please do bear in mind that these companies are taking a profound impact of the advisory as well. Be kind and bear with marginally longer time frames to permit companies to process the refunds for you. No business is in almost any capacity to refund 100% of reservations for the next few months right away, this may cripple any business and closed it down overnight.
Talk with your airlines/agents and mention the advisory issued by the local government to acquire a waiver.
