Tourist spots and cinema halls in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been shut down for one month (from April 22), and night curfew has been extended by one hour.
The restrictions were imposed after a large number of cases were detected among tourists coming from the mainland. Some of them have been found to be tampering with COVID-19 test reports, for which FIRs have been registered against them.
The union territory has also extended the ongoing night curfew by one hour - from 9 pm to 5 am.
All the beaches, as well as the light and sound show at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, and the Cellular Jail will remain closed for now.
Authorities at supermarkets and shopping malls have been advised to regulate the entry of people and ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. The administration will impose a penalty of Rs 10,000 if the restrictions are violated.
The Andaman and Nicobar administration also announced that all incoming passengers from the mainland will now have to undergo mandatory quarantine for seven days even if they test negative for COVID-19. Those violating rules will have to pay Rs 5,000.
Tourism had just started looking up after the 2020 lockdown. Plans had been announced to set up four water aerodromes in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These are set to come up in 2021 and will be set in Havelock Island, Long Island, Port Blair and Neil Island. The government also plans on setting up similar water aerodromes in Lakshadweep.
