Port Blair, July 26: In order to ensure effective compliance of National directives on COVID-19 management and to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the South Andaman District, the District Magistrate, South Andaman District in an Order No. 861 dated July 25 by virtue of powers vested under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 has issued various directions.
The order states that offices/ work places (Both Govt. and Private) should have staggered working hours and should operate at 50% capacity except for those Steps to contain spread of COVID-19 in South Andaman District Office/workplaces to have staggered working hours with 50% capacity except for those providing essential services providing essential services like Health, ANIIMS, PBMC, APWD, Electricity, Revenue Department, Shipping, Transport, Civil Supplies, Police Department etc. Further to the extent possible, work from home should be encouraged by employers.
Similarly, it has also been ordered that shops under the PBMC jurisdiction should not allow more than 5 persons at a time and big showrooms / supermarkets / establishments should operate at 50% capacity and maintain 2 ‘Gaz ki Doori’.
Buses/Public transport, Ships etc. plying in South Andaman District should restrict passengers to 50% capacity without fail. For other modes of transport, the following limits are imposed (excluding driver): i) Transport Jeeps/Sumo- 4 passengers ii) Taxi- 3 Passengers iii) Auto – 2 Passengers Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable.These orders have come into effect from the midnight of 25th July, 2020 and will remain in force till further orders.