Port Blair, Dec. 17: The Deputy Commissioner South Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS alongwith SDM(SA), SDPO, AC (U/T), Airport Director, Nodal Officer COVID, Dy,. Commandant, CISF and airline operators held a meeting at the Veer Savarkar International Airport regarding the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols.

The DC(SA) while inspecting the overall arrangements directed that the airline operators may deploy additional manpower to avoid crowding and ensure proper social distancing norms amongst the tourists at all times alongwith CISF officials. He further stated that more counters have been set up for issuing TR-5 and testing of the incoming passengers. High speed internet facilities are also being provided at the airport for verification of the RT-PCR reports of incoming passengers, who arrive with such reports from mainland. Also, extra police force has been deployed for crowd management in and around the airport.

Further it was clarified that to avoid inconvenience for the tourists, they were suggested to undergo RTPCR and carry the Negative Test report with them before boarding the flight to Port Blair, but nowhere it is made a mandatory condition. In fact, Rapid Antigen Test option is available for both tourists and islanders, however on being tested positive he/she has to undergo quarantine as per the guidelines.

DC(SA) also appealed the general public to follow the COVID-19 protocols at all times for the safety and well-being of one and all.