In line with the various measures being adopted across India to restrict the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Andaman and Nicobar administration has decided to shut down all tourist spots in the islands till March 26, 2020.
According to the circular posted by them, all tourism activities on jetties, beaches, eco-tourism sites, museums, and all water sports activities, have been suspended till midnight of March 26, 2020. Sites such as Cellular Jail (including light and sound show), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (including light and sound show), islands such as Neil, Havelock, Baratang, etc., will also remain out of bounds for tourists.
The administration has asked all tourists to defer their plans to visit the island during this period and advised travel agents to guide their clients accordingly.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to six indigenous tribes who have little or no contact with the rest of the world. Spread of the virus among them can be catastrophic. News18 quoted Sanjeev Kumar Mittal, Principal Secretary, Tribal Welfare Department, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as saying, &ldquoWhile we work for the welfare of these tribes through various schemes throughout the year, extra precaution due to COVID-19 outbreak has been undertaken.&rdquo It also reported that the administration has reduced the number of vehicles passing through the tribal reserve areas to limit the chances of virus spreading among the tribes.