Lakshadweep administration to begin ‘graded reopening’

KOCHI:

Authorities in Lakshadweep

, the only place in the country where no Covid cases have been reported, has begun the process of ‘graded reopening and

progressive resumption

of activities’ effectively paving way for entry of those from the mainland to the islands. A new standard operating procedure (SOP) enforcing social distancing and use of masks has been issued which would come into effect from December 28.

As per the SOP, all persons who wish to visit Lakshadweep shall carry a negative test report of RT-PCR obtained 48 hours before the travel and submit the same to the administration through an online portal. However, the Island administration would take a call on opening up the islands for

tourism purposes

only after reviewing the progress later. Sources said that a decision on resuming flights and tourism is likely to be made after January 15.

“Right now, the relaxation is meant for islanders who are stuck in the mainland and want to return and those from mainland who want to come to the island for any particular purposes, with the necessary permit. Instead of the present strategy of undergoing a long quarantine before travelling to the islands, now people can travel with the Covid negative certificates.

Bengaram

, the tourists’ island, will remain open only for those in the islands for the time being,” said a senior official with the administration.

The SOP dated, December 22, states that it was of utmost importance that a revised SOP for surveillance, containment and caution be put in place with strict enforcement, so that the islands can sustain a Covid-19-free status in the future as well.

The mandatory Covidnegative certificate also applies to the crews of Mechanized Sailing Vessels (Manjus) & Fish Collection Boats that are visiting the islands. In case anyone develops Covid-19 related symptoms in the islands, mandatory True-NAT testing must be carried out by the local health department, the SOP states.

Periodic random testing of vulnerable and super spreaders categories shall also to be carried out from time to time by the health department.

“Strict enforcement of wearing face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing must be ensured… The Local and District Administration shall ensure strict enforcement of all SOPs and Covid Appropriate Behaviour to sustain the Covid-19 free status in the UT,” the SOP states.

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