As more people isolate themselves at home in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has advised Doordarshan Port Blair and Cable TV operators to telecast interesting programmes and movies to encourage people to stay home.
In an order on COVID-l9 issued on Tuesday, the Andaman and Nicobar Island administration has directed all Divisional Commissioners to ask DD Port Blair and Cable TV operators to show interesting programme on the DD and Cable TV to ensure that people remain in the house.
In a tweet, Chetan Sanghi, Islands administrator stated: “No visitor needs to come to Government offices. “ Officers will take phone calls during visitor hours. DD Port Blair & Cable TV being advised to telecast interesting programs & movies to encourage people to stay home.”
“If people are sitting at home and can’t go to movie or shopping malls due to coronavirus outbreak, he/she may opt for cable TV network or DD channels for time pass to remain at home,” said an official of Andaman Island. The number of coronavirus cases in India reached 137 on Tuesday. The administration has also advised officials to insist the visitors to discuss or solve their grievances on telephone instead of visiting personally in offices.
The administration has also decided the payment of current electricity and water bill may be made with next month billing cycle without late fee surcharge in the Islands. Earlier, as a precautionary measure, the Andaman and Nicobar administration has directed tourists to refrain from travelling to the islands from March 16 midnight. The islands are a favourite tourism spot for domestic and international visitors alike. “As a precautionary measure, beaches, eco-tourism spots and water sports will be closed from March 16, 2020 to March 26, 2020,” it said.