Port Blair, March 4: In view of significant decline in the COVID-19 cases across the country including A&N Islands and in pursuance of the guidelines issued by MoH&FW / MHA on risk assessment based approach, the following SOP shall come into force with immediate effect.

All asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons coming to these islands from mainland are exempted from the requirement of carrying RT-PCR negative test report, irrespective of the type of vaccine received and country of origin. Such fully vaccinated individuals shall produce the final vaccination certificate at the origin airport / sea port in the mainland and at Port Blair Airport / sea port.

All asymptomatic children below 5 years of age are exempted from carrying RT-PCR negative test report and further RT-PCR testing at Port Blair Airport.

All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1st dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report to travel to Port Blair from mainland, as is the practice now. Such RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair. Such passengers will also have to undergo additional RT-PCR test on arrival at Port Blair. Such passengers shall remain in self-quarantine till the arrival of test report.

If a passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.

All Airlines shall ensure strict compliance of this order and observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Any non-compliance shall invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws.