Port Blair, April 8: The District Magistrate, South Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS through an Order No. 313 issued today (08.04.2022) has withdrawn the order enforcing fines for violation of lockdown guidelines. The decision for withdrawing fines was taken as per the directions of the MHA.

Over the last 24 months, significant capacities have been developed for various aspects of management of the pandemic, such as diagnostics, surveillance, contact tracing, treatment and vaccination, hospital infrastructure and the general public has much higher level of awareness on the COVID appropriate behaviour.

It has also been noticed that over the last few weeks there has been a steep decline in the number of COVID-19 cases. Taking into consideration the overall improvement in the situation and preparedness to deal with the pandemic, the Home Secretary, Govt. of India vide D.No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 22nd March 2022  has informed that the National Disaster Management Authority has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of DM Act for COVID containment measures after expiry of the existing order issued vide No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 25th Feb. 2022. However, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) advisories on COVID containment measures, including the use of face masks and hand hygiene, will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic. In view of the nature of the disease, whenever any surge in the number of cases is observed, prompt and proactive steps shall be taken at local levels as advised by the MoHFW from time to time.